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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete content from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to heart and overhauled the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our fans.

The trust in this project increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. After a period of talks, he officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the development of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"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 reads. "Face the competition with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or consoles, but players can anticipate further news as production progresses.