2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Response
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the necessity for a distinct vision.
The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full text from the president's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our players.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following a period of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.
His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all eager to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed 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 real-time to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and tests that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."
The game does not have an confirmed release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as creation continues.
