🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Poor Reception

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire text from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us 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 come. You accepted the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following some time of talks, he starts with us on next week.

His leadership and background in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all eager to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

The game has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but players can look forward to more updates as production continues.