2K Brings Onboard Popular Battle Royale Lead to Rescue Troubled Action Game Ambitious Title

The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete content from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to consideration and overhauled the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

The game has not yet received an announced release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as development advances.