2K Recruits Popular Battle Royale Producer to Rescue Struggling Hero Shooter Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Poor Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct vision.

The president stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news follows a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire content from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His management and background in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most popular titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all eager to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a public demo. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Face the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and trust your squad can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or consoles, but fans can expect additional details as creation advances.