2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to address gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
This announcement follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Here is the entire content from the president's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a sharper brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as creation progresses.
