The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the necessity for a more defined game identity.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
The news follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the complete content from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a sharper vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, he starts with us on the specified date.
His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to persist seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and tests that change every session. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your group can secure victory? The option is in your hands."
The game has not yet received an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can look forward to further news as creation continues.
