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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct game identity.

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

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. Following some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

His management and background in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having devoted the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting him soon. We are all eager to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

The President

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year together with a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, risk it all, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but fans can expect further news as development advances.