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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Response

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. 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 partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having spent the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

The game does not have an announced release date or consoles, but players can anticipate additional details as creation continues.