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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Poor Response

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a more defined vision.

The president stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news follows a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the full text from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on next week.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep seeing the progress of the game in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that change every match. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or consoles, but fans can look forward to additional details as development continues.