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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct vision.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news follows a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. After a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him next week. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or supported systems, but fans can expect more updates as creation advances.