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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a distinct vision.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our players.

The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the progress of the game in the time to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Face the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your team can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

The game does not have an official release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as development continues.