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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete message from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to persist observing the evolution of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Face the competition with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an official release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as development advances.