🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer game identity.

The president stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete message from the president's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our fans.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the recent years producing and managing some of the most popular series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist seeing the progress of the game in the months to follow.

David

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and tests that change every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

The game does not have an official launch window or platforms, but fans can look forward to more updates as creation progresses.