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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct direction.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete text from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. Following a period of conversations, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Face the competition with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or platforms, but fans can anticipate more updates as development continues.