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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct direction.

The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. After a period of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him next week. We are all excited to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."

"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 description states. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and hope your group can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an official release date or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as production advances.