The Gaming Giant Brings Onboard Popular Battle Royale Developer to Boost Struggling Hero Shooter Ambitious Title

The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined direction.

The president stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Key Hires

The news echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to persist witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."

The game has not yet received an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can expect further news as development continues.