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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a clearer game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The belief in this project grows every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and trust your squad can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced release date or consoles, but players can expect more updates as creation progresses.