🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct vision.

The president stated that the team is now refining the project with a revised vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to mind and overhauled the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our fans.

The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. After some time of discussions, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having dedicated the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as creation advances.