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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman assumes 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' lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.

The president noted that the developers is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Hires

The news mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete message from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. Following some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting him soon. We are all looking forward to persist observing the progress of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Head

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as creation progresses.