🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Response

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined direction.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete text from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our fans.

The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep seeing the evolution of the game in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but fans can look forward to further news as development advances.