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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete content from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our audience.

The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the position 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 games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and tests that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or consoles, but players can look forward to additional details as production progresses.