🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Poor Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all eager to continue seeing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and trust your squad can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as creation continues.