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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined direction.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the opportunity to partner 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 player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. After a period of discussions, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having devoted the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all eager to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game does not have an official launch window or consoles, but players can look forward to additional details as development continues.