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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct vision.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the full text from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

The trust in this project grows every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. After a period of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.

His leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of the game in the time to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your group can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an confirmed release date or supported systems, but fans can anticipate more updates as creation advances.