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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news follows a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete content from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our audience.

The trust in this project grows every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. After several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the recent years producing and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to keep seeing the progress of the game in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and tests that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or consoles, but fans can anticipate additional details as development advances.