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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined vision.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to consideration and reimagined the title with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our players.

The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. Following some time of conversations, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official release date or supported systems, but players can expect further news as development progresses.