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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Poor Feedback

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 the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed 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 work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following a period of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Face the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and trust your group can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but fans can expect further news as development advances.