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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Poor Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following several months of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting him next week. We are all excited to persist seeing the progress of the game in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or supported systems, but fans can look forward to further news as development progresses.