🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him next week. We are all looking forward to keep observing the development of the game in the months to come.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Face the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that change every match. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your group can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an official release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as creation progresses.