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

Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to consideration and overhauled the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that change every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

The game lacks an official release date or supported systems, but players can expect further news as production advances.