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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the necessity for a clearer vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire content from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust 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 group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. Following some time of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to persist witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement 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 game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

The game lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but players can look forward to additional details as production progresses.