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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Poor Response

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer direction.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to heart and overhauled the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our players.

The belief in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all eager to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter 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 real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or platforms, but fans can anticipate further news as creation advances.