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

Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 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 necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having spent the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to persist witnessing the progress of the game in the months to come.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement 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 fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but players can look forward to additional details as development advances.