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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

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

Ismailer noted that the team is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news follows a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Face the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

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