🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After some time of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every match. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

The game has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as creation progresses.