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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire message from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, he officially joins us on the specified date.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having spent the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to continue observing the progress of the game in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"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 official summary explains. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can expect more updates as development continues.