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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer vision.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire message from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our audience.

The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following a period of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most popular series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

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

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Face the competition with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or platforms, but fans can expect more updates as development progresses.