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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman assumes 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' lackluster unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct direction.

The president noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news follows a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our players.

The belief in this project grows every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. After several months of talks, he officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as production advances.