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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined direction.

The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

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

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our players.

The trust in this project increases every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution 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 official summary reads. "Face the competition with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as creation advances.