2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the requirement for a clearer direction.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
The news echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full message from the president's memo:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of the team. After some time of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.
His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue seeing the development of the game in the weeks to ahead.
The President
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that change every match. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and hope your squad can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or consoles, but players can expect further news as creation continues.
