2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Response
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined vision.
The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Key Hires
The news echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete message from Ismailer's memo:
Dear Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, 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 collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a sharper vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to heart and overhauled the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.
Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all eager to persist seeing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that change every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and trust your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but players can expect additional details as development advances.