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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Response

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a distinct direction.

The president noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having dedicated the recent years creating and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting Ben soon. We are all looking forward to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

The game lacks an confirmed launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate additional details as development progresses.