🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a more defined direction.

The president stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our fans.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. After a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Face the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and tests that shift every session. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but fans can expect additional details as development advances.