2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Comes After Poor Feedback
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer direction.
The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to address player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled 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 driven and creative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our audience.
The belief in this project grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.
His guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having spent the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
David
Background of the New Leader
The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Face the rivals with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."
The game does not have an announced release date or platforms, but players can expect further news as production progresses.
