2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Change Comes After Mixed Response
The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer direction.
The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
The news echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the entire text from the president's memo:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously 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 creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”
With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a clearer identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our fans.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of talks, he comes aboard us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all excited to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every session. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your team can secure victory? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can expect further news as development continues.
