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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Poor Response

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a clearer direction.

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

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news follows a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete content from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having dedicated the recent years developing and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting Ben soon. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person 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 suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with unique powers, challenges, and tests that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced release date or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as production progresses.