🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

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

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the recent years creating and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your squad can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate additional details as production advances.