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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a distinct direction.

Ismailer stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the full message from the president's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.

The belief in this project grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the recent years creating and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to keep observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward 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 description explains. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your team can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but fans can expect more updates as creation advances.