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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a more defined direction.

The president stated that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our players.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.

His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting him in the coming days. We are all excited to keep observing the progress of the game in the months to come.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement 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 description states. "Face the rivals with unique powers, risks, and tests that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your team can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

The game does not have an announced launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as production progresses.