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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Response

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the requirement for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete message from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on next week.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having devoted the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Face the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and tests that shift every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, gamble everything, and hope your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as production progresses.