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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined vision.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to heart and overhauled the title with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all excited to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as creation advances.