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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer direction.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us 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 accepted the input to mind and overhauled the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the recent years producing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role 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 series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a public demo. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective 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 reads. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and tests that shift every session. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your team can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

The game does not have an announced release date or supported systems, but players can expect more updates as development continues.