🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Poor 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 early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a distinct vision.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"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 game's pitch states. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or supported systems, but players can anticipate further news as development progresses.