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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer direction.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from the president's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The trust in this project increases every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most popular series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist observing the development of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

The game lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as creation advances.