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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer direction.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. 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 innovative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. After a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most popular series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the progress of the game in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward 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 fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

The game does not have an announced launch window or platforms, but fans can look forward to further news as production advances.