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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Poor Feedback

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our players.

The trust in this project grows every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the recent years developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the progress of the game in the months to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement 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 fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and tests that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your squad can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but fans can anticipate further news as production progresses.