2K Brings Onboard Popular Battle Royale Producer to Boost Troubled Action Game Ambitious Title

The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following some time of conversations, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having spent the recent years developing and leading some of the most popular series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all excited to keep observing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that change every match. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but players can expect further news as creation advances.