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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Poor Response

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete message from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to heart and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Face the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and trust your team can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game lacks an official release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as development advances.