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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our audience.

The belief in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After several months of talks, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all eager to continue seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Face the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and tests that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."

The game lacks an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect further news as creation continues.