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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Response

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete message from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to keep observing the development of the game in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an official launch window or supported systems, but players can expect additional details as creation continues.