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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Response

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.

The president noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. Following some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and leading some of the most popular series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all eager to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the style."

"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 official summary reads. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that change every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as production progresses.