🔗 Share this article

2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Poor Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a more defined vision.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news follows a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a sharper brand.

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

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. After some time of talks, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most popular series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

The game does not have an announced release date or consoles, but fans can expect more updates as development progresses.