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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete message from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. After a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but fans can expect additional details as creation progresses.