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

Management Change Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct vision.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to consideration and overhauled the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to persist observing the evolution of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a public demo. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your team can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or supported systems, but players can look forward to more updates as production advances.