2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Poor Feedback
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined game identity.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.
Trend of Strategic Hires
This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete message from the president's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a sharper vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After a period of talks, he starts with us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to persist witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to ahead.
David
Experience of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an official release date or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as creation advances.
