2K Recruits Popular Battle Royale Lead to Revitalize Struggling Action Game Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.

His management and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"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 official summary explains. "Face the competition with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official debut schedule or platforms, but players can expect more updates as creation progresses.