The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback
The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer direction.
The president noted that the team is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Here is the complete text from the president's memo:
Dear Team—
I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to consideration and overhauled the title with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our audience.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following some time of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to persist observing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
David
Experience of the New Head
The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your squad can secure victory? The option is yours."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as creation progresses.
