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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a more defined game identity.

The president noted that the team is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Hires

The news mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our audience.

The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as production progresses.