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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

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

Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to heart and revamped the title with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the recent years creating and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all eager to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced launch window or supported systems, but fans can anticipate additional details as creation advances.