2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a distinct direction.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.
Here is the entire message from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to consideration and overhauled the title with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben starts with us on next week.
His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos does not have an official debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as creation progresses.
