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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined direction.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete message from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Face the competition with unique powers, risks, and challenges that change every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your squad can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced release date or supported systems, but fans can anticipate more updates as creation advances.