2K Games’ much-anticipated roguelike shooter, known by its working title Project Ethos, is charting a new course. The publisher has appointed gaming veteran Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head for developer 31st Union, signaling a pivotal moment for the project’s renewed vision following critical community feedback and a change in leadership.
The development of Project Ethos, the secretive roguelike shooter from 2K Games and its studio 31st Union, is moving forward with significant changes at the helm. Ben Brinkman, a seasoned industry professional, has been named the new head of 31st Union, stepping into the role previously held by Michael Condrey. This leadership transition comes with a promise of a “renewed vision” for the game, as confirmed by 2K President David Ismailer in an internal memo on October 15, 2025, as reported by Variety.
The Road to a Renewed Vision
Project Ethos has been a subject of considerable industry buzz, operating largely under wraps as 31st Union, a 2K Games subsidiary, worked to bring its ambitious roguelike shooter concept to life. However, like many large-scale game developments, it has faced its share of challenges. The previous studio head, Michael Condrey, was reportedly ousted in February 2025 amidst growing internal criticism regarding the project’s progress and direction.
A crucial turning point for Project Ethos arrived with community feedback from a playtest held in late 2024. According to 2K President David Ismailer, this feedback was “enlightening.” While it affirmed the core promise of a roguelike shooter, it also highlighted a clear need for a “more distinct identity.” This insight has been instrumental in shaping the game’s new direction, inspiring the team to reimagine Project Ethos with a fresh perspective aimed at delivering on its potential to players.
Ben Brinkman’s Proven Track Record
The appointment of Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union marks a significant strategic move by 2K Games. Brinkman officially joined the team on Monday, October 20, 2025. His background speaks volumes about the renewed focus for Project Ethos.
Brinkman transitions to 31st Union from Electronic Arts’ Respawn Entertainment, where he held the critical position of head of production for the highly successful live-service title, Apex Legends. His expertise in the competitive multiplayer (PVP) shooter space is extensive, spanning 15 years in developing and leading some of gaming’s most recognized franchises. This includes his significant contributions to the Call of Duty: Black Ops series, a cornerstone of the first-person shooter genre.
As David Ismailer noted in his memo, Brinkman’s “leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive,” making him an ideal candidate to steer Project Ethos toward its revitalized goal. His history with games known for their strong mechanics and competitive play is a strong indicator of the direction 31st Union is likely to take with their roguelike shooter.
Implications for the Roguelike Shooter Genre
The decision to bring in a leader with such a strong background in successful online shooters, particularly a live-service title like Apex Legends, could signify exciting developments for Project Ethos. The roguelike shooter genre benefits greatly from innovative gameplay loops, deep progression systems, and replayability—areas where Brinkman’s past projects have excelled. The “more distinct identity” sought for Project Ethos might involve:
- Refined core gameplay mechanics based on extensive shooter experience.
- Robust progression and customization systems to encourage long-term player engagement.
- A unique visual or narrative style that sets it apart in a crowded genre.
- Strong post-launch support and content pipelines, drawing from live-service game experience.
Fans of both roguelikes and competitive shooters will be keenly watching how Brinkman’s leadership infuses Project Ethos with the compelling elements that made his previous work stand out. The emphasis on community feedback also suggests a development process that is responsive to player desires, a positive sign for any aspiring roguelike title.
What Lies Ahead for Project Ethos
The transition in leadership and the commitment to a “renewed vision” mark a fresh chapter for Project Ethos. 2K Games appears confident in the project’s future, with David Ismailer stating, “Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day.” This enthusiasm is undoubtedly bolstered by Brinkman’s reputation for steering successful, complex shooter titles.
While specific details about the reimagined game remain under wraps, the change in leadership from Michael Condrey to Ben Brinkman, coupled with a direct response to player feedback, positions Project Ethos for a potentially strong re-introduction. The focus will now be on how 31st Union, under Brinkman’s guidance, will translate its renewed vision into a distinct and engaging roguelike shooter experience. Industry analysts are optimistic about the future of the game, with publications like GamesIndustry.biz closely following these executive shifts and their impact on major projects.
The coming months will undoubtedly reveal more about this ambitious project, and the gaming community eagerly awaits further updates on Project Ethos and its journey to carving out its distinct identity in the competitive gaming landscape.
