🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a distinct vision.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete content from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our fans.

The belief in this project grows every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the progress of the game in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, gamble everything, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

The game lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but players can anticipate additional details as development progresses.