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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Poor Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a more defined game identity.

The president stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to continue seeing the progress of the game in the time to follow.

David

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Face the competition with new abilities, challenges, and tests that change every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or consoles, but fans can expect further news as production progresses.