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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a distinct vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

His guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most well-known series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect further news as production advances.