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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Response

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer direction.

The president noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist seeing the progress of the game in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as creation continues.