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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, he starts with us on the specified date.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep observing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as production progresses.