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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct game identity.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Key Recruitment

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

Here is the complete text from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and reimagined the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our audience.

The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to continue observing the progress of the game in the months to come.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward 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 match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Face the opponents with unique powers, risks, and challenges that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as development continues.