The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Response
The new appointee 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 lackluster unveiling last fall.
Recently, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer direction.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
The news mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the entire content from Ismailer's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”
With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our players.
The trust in this project increases every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
David
Experience of the New Head
Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative 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 match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as development advances.
