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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Poor Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a distinct direction.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the full message from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to consideration and overhauled the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

The game does not have an announced debut schedule or platforms, but fans can expect more updates as creation advances.