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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Response

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

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

Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

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

The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward 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 explains. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as production advances.