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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a distinct direction.

The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete message from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all eager to continue seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement 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 fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and tests that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as development advances.