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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Response

The new appointee assumes 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 disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter 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 fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as creation continues.