🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a distinct vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the full content from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"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. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every round. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

The game lacks an announced debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as production continues.