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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Response

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the necessity for a more defined vision.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every match. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your team can secure victory? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but fans can look forward to further news as development continues.