The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Change Follows Mixed Response
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer game identity.
Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
The news echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the full message from the president's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a clearer brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our audience.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.
His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Face the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."
The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as development continues.
