🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to mind and revamped the title with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is vast, having dedicated the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all eager to continue observing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or platforms, but fans can anticipate additional details as development advances.