The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Shift Comes After Mixed Response
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer game identity.
The president expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
This announcement follows a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete text from the president's memo:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a sharper identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in greeting Ben soon. We are all excited to continue observing the evolution of the game in the months to follow.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the style."
"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 states. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can look forward to additional details as creation continues.
