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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.

Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Response

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a more defined vision.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the recent years creating and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, risk it all, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced release date or supported systems, but players can expect further news as creation advances.