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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full text from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your squad can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or consoles, but fans can look forward to additional details as creation progresses.