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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Poor Response

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the full text from the president's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all eager to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Take on the competition with unique powers, stakes, and tests that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as development continues.