🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a more defined vision.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news follows a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having dedicated the recent years producing and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as production continues.