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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct vision.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full text from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. Following some time of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the recent years developing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to persist observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that change every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your group can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as creation progresses.