🔗 Share this article

2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Response

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete content from the president's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the months to come.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Face the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that change every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your team can secure victory? The choice is yours."

The game does not have an announced debut schedule or consoles, but fans can look forward to additional details as production continues.