2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Mixed Feedback
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer direction.
Ismailer noted that the team is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the entire content from Ismailer's communication:
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 shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our audience.
The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, he comes aboard us on the specified date.
His guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the recent years creating and leading some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist witnessing the progress of the game in the weeks to follow.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the style."
"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 states. "Face the competition with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but fans can expect additional details as creation continues.
