🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined direction.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. 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 talented creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. After several months of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.

His management and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him in the coming days. We are all excited to continue observing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Face the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an official launch window or supported systems, but fans can expect further news as production continues.