The Gaming Giant Brings Onboard Popular Battle Royale Producer to Boost Challenged Action Game Ambitious Title

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

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee takes on 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 underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Key Hires

The news follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full message from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."

"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 description reads. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and tests that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as creation continues.