🔗 Share this article

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

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete content from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to mind and revamped the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. Following a period of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and background in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all eager to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement 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 official summary reads. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, stakes, and tests that change every match. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect further news as creation progresses.