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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Follows Poor Response

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full content from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, he officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Face the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

The game lacks an official release date or supported systems, but players can look forward to further news as production advances.