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

Management Change Follows Poor Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.

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

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to heart and overhauled the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a public demo. Initially, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can look forward to further news as production advances.