🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer game identity.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the entire content from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.

His management and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all eager to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an confirmed launch window or consoles, but players can anticipate further news as development progresses.