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

Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a distinct direction.

The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire text from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to mind and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following some time of conversations, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the evolution of the game in the time to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the style."

"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 explains. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as creation continues.