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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined vision.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining the project with a revised vision, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete message from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The belief in this project increases every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following several months of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously 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.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, risk it all, and trust your squad can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but players can expect additional details as production advances.