2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Mixed Feedback
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined direction.
The president noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
The news follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the complete message from the president's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”
With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s the game demo was informative. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and tests that change every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, risk it all, and hope your group can secure victory? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos does not have an official debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as development progresses.
