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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined vision.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following a period of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your group can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game does not have an official release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as development advances.