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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a distinct vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben soon. We are all excited to persist witnessing the development of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as production advances.