The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Feedback
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined game identity.
The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
The news mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the complete content from the president's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.
His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.
David
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Face the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that shift every round. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos has not yet received an official debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as creation progresses.
