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

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Feedback

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct vision.

The president stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. After several months of talks, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to persist witnessing the progress of the game in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Face the competition with unique powers, stakes, and tests that change every match. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your group can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or consoles, but players can expect more updates as development advances.