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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete message from the president's communication:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. Following a period of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His guidance and background in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the recent years producing and managing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting him soon. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Take on the competition with unique powers, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or supported systems, but players can look forward to further news as development progresses.