🔗 Share this article

2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Key Hires

The news echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."

The game does not have an announced release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as development advances.