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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Poor Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire content from the president's communication:

Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited 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 driven and innovative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Director of the team. After some time of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the New Head

The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution 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 states. "Face the opponents with new abilities, risks, and challenges that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

The game does not have an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can look forward to additional details as production advances.