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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the requirement for a clearer vision.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your group can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but players can expect further news as development progresses.