2K Recruits Popular Battle Royale Producer to Boost Struggling Action Game Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.

The president noted that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared 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 chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most popular titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of the game in the time to come.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

The game does not have an announced release date or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as production advances.