🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to heart and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming Ben next week. We are all eager to continue seeing the progress of the game in the months to come.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Face the opponents with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your team can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as production progresses.