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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

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

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete message from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - 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 team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a more distinct vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. After several months of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the months to come.

David

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a public demo. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 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 suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or consoles, but fans can expect further news as development advances.