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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman assumes 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 Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined direction.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full text from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. After some time of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the development of the game in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and pray your group can secure victory? The option is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an official release date or platforms, but players can expect further news as development progresses.