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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

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

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your group can secure victory? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but players can anticipate further news as creation continues.