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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Follows Mixed Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a more defined vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our audience.

The belief in this project grows every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting Ben soon. We are all excited to persist witnessing the progress of the game in the time to come.

David

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Face the rivals with unique powers, risks, and tests that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as development advances.