The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Poor Feedback
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.
Recently, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a more defined direction.
The president expressed that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
The news mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full text from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”
With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. After several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all eager to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your group can secure victory? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as creation advances.
