The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Response
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the necessity for a clearer direction.
Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the full message from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, 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 work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our players.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following several months of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having dedicated the recent years developing and leading some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all excited to persist witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to ahead.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement 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 match your preferred approach," the description states. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and tests that change every round. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."
Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as creation continues.
