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2K Games has welcomed 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 Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to mind and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After a period of talks, he officially joins us on next week.

His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most well-known series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue observing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Face the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that change every match. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."

The game has not yet received an official launch window or consoles, but players can anticipate more updates as development advances.