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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Take on the competition with new abilities, challenges, and tests that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is yours."

The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as creation advances.