🔗 Share this article

2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Poor Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the necessity for a distinct vision.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. After a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a early access event. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting 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 fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and tests that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your group can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as development continues.