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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the need for a distinct vision.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, risk it all, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or platforms, but fans can look forward to further news as production progresses.