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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct game identity.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our players.

The trust in this project grows every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all looking forward to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Take on the competition with unique powers, challenges, and tests that change every session. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or consoles, but fans can anticipate more updates as development continues.