🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a distinct vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

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

Here is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. Following several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that shift every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

The game lacks an confirmed launch window or consoles, but fans can look forward to additional details as development progresses.