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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having spent the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most popular series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to keep seeing the progress of the game in the time to come.

David

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and tests that change every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an confirmed launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as production continues.