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

Management Change Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee 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 Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a distinct direction.

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

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the full message from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

His leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is vast, having spent the recent years creating and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your squad can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game lacks an confirmed release date or consoles, but players can anticipate more updates as production continues.