2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Response
The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.
Recently, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer direction.
Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.
Trend of Strategic Hires
The news follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire message from the president's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”
Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our fans.
The belief in this project grows every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
His management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the months to follow.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, stakes, and tests that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."
The game does not have an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as development advances.
