2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Poor Feedback
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union 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 updated team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a clearer game identity.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Key Hires
The news echoes a similar action 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 message from Ismailer's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”
With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a sharper brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our fans.
The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all eager to continue observing the evolution of the game in the time to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."
The game has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but players can expect further news as development advances.
