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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct 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 Poor Reception

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

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised approach, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news follows a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire content from the president's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a more distinct vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. Following a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."

"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 description states. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every match. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or consoles, but players can expect more updates as creation continues.