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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After some time of talks, he officially joins us on next week.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio 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 stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and tests that change every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

The game does not have an official release date or consoles, but fans can expect further news as production progresses.