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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct game identity.

The president stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our players.

The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, gamble everything, and hope your squad can secure victory? The option is yours."

The game does not have an announced launch window or platforms, but players can expect additional details as creation advances.