2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a more defined game identity.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Hires
The news echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”
With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a sharper brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our audience.
The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. Following a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.
Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the recent years creating and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all excited to continue seeing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the style."
"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 official summary explains. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every match. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as creation progresses.
