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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct game identity.

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

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

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 am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the recent years creating and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or platforms, but players can expect further news as development advances.