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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire content from the president's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to consideration and reimagined the title with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben next week. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your team can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an official debut schedule or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as creation progresses.