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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a more defined direction.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete message from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your team can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can anticipate more updates as production continues.