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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct direction.

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

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

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

Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to heart and overhauled the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the progress of the game in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward 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 suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or platforms, but fans can anticipate additional details as development continues.