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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Comes After Poor Response

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a clearer vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our players.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the recent years producing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting him in the coming days. We are all excited to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a public demo. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, risks, and tests that shift every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an announced release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as development advances.