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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that evolve every match. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or platforms, but players can expect further news as development advances.