2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Reception
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a clearer vision.
The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
This announcement follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.
Below is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, 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 told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a sharper vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our players.
Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of the team. After some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to keep observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
David
Background of the New Head
Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or platforms, but players can expect further news as production progresses.
