🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Poor Response

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

The news follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to mind and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the new Lead of the team. Following several months of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most popular series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to persist observing the evolution of the game in the months to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your squad can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as development continues.