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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a more defined vision.

The president expressed that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire message from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the development of the game in the time to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, risks, and tests that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

The game lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but fans can anticipate additional details as development advances.