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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a clearer direction.

Ismailer stated that the team is now refining the project with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete text from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After some time of talks, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to persist observing the development of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an official debut schedule or consoles, but fans can look forward to additional details as creation progresses.