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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.

The president stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the full message from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."

The game has not yet received an official debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can anticipate further news as development continues.