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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete content from the president's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, he starts with us on the specified date.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Face the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and tests that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but fans can anticipate more updates as creation advances.