2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Change Follows Mixed Feedback
The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.
Recently, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct direction.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
The news mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete text from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a clearer brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to consideration and reimagined the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. Following some time of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.
His guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all excited to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
The President
Background of the New Head
Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and hope your group can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as production continues.
