2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer direction.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
The news follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire content from the president's memo:
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 shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed 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! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every round. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and trust your squad can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."
The game lacks an announced release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as development progresses.
