🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer 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 Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Poor Reception

Brinkman takes on 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' lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. Following some time of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His guidance and background in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can anticipate more updates as production advances.