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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 crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Poor Response

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined game identity.

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

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having spent the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with unique powers, stakes, and tests that change every session. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as production progresses.