2K Hires Popular Battle Royale Lead to Rescue Troubled Hero Shooter Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Poor Feedback

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all excited to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an official launch window or supported systems, but players can anticipate additional details as production continues.