2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer vision.
The president noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full message from the president's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a sharper vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to heart and revamped the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."
The game lacks an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can expect additional details as development advances.
