🔗 Share this article

2K Games has appointed 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 Follows Poor Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the team is now refining the project with a revised vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. Following several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on next week.

His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most popular titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Face the competition with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that evolve every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as development advances.