2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a distinct vision.
The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
The news echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full text from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. After some time of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having spent the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming Ben next week. We are all eager to keep seeing the progress of the game in the weeks to ahead.
David
Background of the New Head
Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or go big, gamble everything, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but players can anticipate further news as development continues.
