2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
The news echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete text from the president's communication:
Dear Team—
I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our audience.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the development of the game in the months to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as development advances.
