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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined vision.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised vision, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was informative. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our players.

The trust in this project grows every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on next week.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and challenges that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect further news as production progresses.