The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Response
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer vision.
The president stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire content from the president's memo:
Dear Team—
I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. After several months of discussions, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all eager to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
The President
Background of the New Leader
The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Initially, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, risks, and challenges that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."
The game lacks an announced launch window or supported systems, but fans can anticipate further news as creation progresses.
