2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Mixed Feedback
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer game identity.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining the project with a revised vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete message from Ismailer's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our fans.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.
His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the recent years developing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all eager to keep witnessing the progress of the game in the months to ahead.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."
"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 official summary reads. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that change every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."
The game has not yet received an announced launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as production continues.
