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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Response

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent 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 pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Face the competition with unique powers, risks, and tests that evolve every match. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

The game has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as production advances.