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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman 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 the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the requirement for a distinct vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from the president's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

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

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

The game lacks an official release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as development continues.