🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Poor Feedback

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a distinct vision.

The president stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full text from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben starts with us on next week.

His leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an official debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as creation progresses.