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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Reception

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined direction.

The president stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving him next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the category."

"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 reads. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your team can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but players can look forward to more updates as creation progresses.