2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Reception
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined vision.
The president noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Hires
The news echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full message from Ismailer's communication:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our fans.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and managing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting him in the coming days. We are all excited to keep observing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."
"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 game's pitch explains. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."
The game does not have an official launch window or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as production progresses.
