The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a more defined game identity.
The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
The news mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full text from the president's memo:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our fans.
The belief in this project grows every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
David
Background of the New Head
Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a public demo. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."
"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 game's pitch states. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and tests that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and hope your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."
The game lacks an announced release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as production progresses.
