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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined vision.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our players.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having spent the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most popular titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the style."

"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. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and tests that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but players can expect more updates as creation continues.