2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Comes After Poor Feedback
Brinkman assumes 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 lackluster early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a distinct game identity.
The president stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet community desires.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire content from the president's communication:
Dear Team—
I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”
With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a sharper identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our fans.
Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. Following several months of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.
Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
David
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, stakes, and tests that change every round. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."
The game lacks an announced launch window or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as development advances.
