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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all eager to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the category."

"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 reads. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or consoles, but players can anticipate additional details as development progresses.