🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a distinct vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full text from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."

"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 game's pitch explains. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every match. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game has not yet received an official launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as development progresses.