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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Poor Response

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a distinct game identity.

The president stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.

His management and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to keep observing the evolution of the game in the months to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a early access event. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Face the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that change every session. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or go big, put it on the line, and hope your group can secure victory? The option is yours."

The game does not have an announced release date or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as production progresses.