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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our fans.

The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. After several months of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben next week. We are all eager to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the months to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as creation advances.