🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Poor Response

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Face the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

The game has not yet received an confirmed launch window or consoles, but fans can expect more updates as creation advances.