🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Poor Feedback

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our fans.

The belief in this project grows every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all excited to continue observing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, stakes, and tests that change every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or platforms, but fans can expect further news as production continues.