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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined direction.

The president stated that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having spent the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 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! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Face the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but fans can expect more updates as development continues.