🔗 Share this article

2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct game identity.

The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

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

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our players.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. After several months of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to continue observing the progress of the game in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed release date or supported systems, but fans can look forward to additional details as development progresses.