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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a more defined direction.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete message from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep seeing the progress of the game in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting 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 description explains. "Face the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or consoles, but fans can anticipate additional details as production continues.