🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Poor Response

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

The belief in this project grows every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most popular series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting him soon. We are all excited to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as creation progresses.