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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete message from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to consideration and overhauled the title with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most popular titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming him next week. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a early access event. Then, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an official debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as production progresses.