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

Management Transition Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined direction.

The president stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our players.

The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, he officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most well-known series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title 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 suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Face the competition with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as development continues.