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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 crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement follows a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most popular series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the progress of the game in the time to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as production continues.