The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Change Follows Poor Feedback
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer vision.
The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”
With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, he starts with us on next week.
Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to keep seeing the evolution of the game in the weeks to come.
The President
Background of the New Leader
The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and tests that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your team can secure victory? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as production progresses.
