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

Management Transition Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our players.

The trust in this project grows every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. Following several months of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.

His management and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling 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 game's pitch explains. "Face the opponents with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your team can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or consoles, but fans can anticipate more updates as production progresses.