2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Comes After Mixed Reception
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined vision.
The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
The news echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”
Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. After some time of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on next week.
Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep observing the development of the game in the weeks to ahead.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Face the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that change every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, gamble everything, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."
The game has not yet received an confirmed launch window or consoles, but fans can expect further news as creation advances.
