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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement follows a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to heart and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling 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 suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but players can look forward to further news as creation progresses.