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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Response

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.

The president noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full text from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative 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 suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Face the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and hope your squad can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game does not have an announced launch window or supported systems, but fans can anticipate further news as creation advances.