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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer direction.

The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. Following several months of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.

His guidance and background in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the recent years developing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Face the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or platforms, but players can expect more updates as development advances.