🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Poor Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a clearer vision.

The president stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person 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! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but fans can anticipate further news as development advances.