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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the requirement for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to mind and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our audience.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the recent years creating and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that change every session. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official debut schedule or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as creation advances.