2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Follows Poor Response
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct direction.
The president noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete content from the president's communication:
Team—
I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a clearer identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our fans.
The trust in this project strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.
Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most popular titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep seeing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, risk it all, and hope your group can secure victory? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as creation continues.
