🔗 Share this article

2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Poor Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a clearer vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete content from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to consideration and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. After several months of discussions, he officially joins us on next week.

His management and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all looking forward to keep observing the progress of the game in the months to ahead.

The President

Experience of the New Head

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution 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 description reads. "Face the competition with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as creation progresses.