🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Response

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' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a clearer vision.

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

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete message from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and overhauled the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, he starts with us on next week.

His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Face the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that change every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an official launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as creation advances.