2K hires former Apex Legends head of production to lead 31st Union

Chris Kerr, Senior Editor, News, GameDeveloper.com

October 16, 2025

2 Min Read

Image via 31st Union / 2K

Take-Two Interactive has tapped former Apex Legends head of production, Ben Brinkman, to lead internal studio 31st Union and steer the development of upcoming free-to-play hero shooter, Project Ethos. 

The news comes less than a year after Take-Two and subsidiary 2K Games, the latter of which houses 31st Union, fired studio head Michael Condrey after Project Ethos failed to strike a cord following its reveal. Around a year prior to Condrey’s exit, 2K confirmed it had laid off a “very small number of team members.”

Now, in an internal email shared with Game Developer by a 2K spokesperson, division president David Ismailer explained Brinkman will officially join 31st Union as studio head on October 20, 2025. 

Notably, Ismailer said Project Ethos delivered “enlightening” results during playlists conducted last fall, revealing the need for the title to become more distinct. Brinkman has been ushered in after months of conversations to deliver that goal. 

“The community feedback from last fall’s Project Ethos playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a more distinct identity,” wrote Ismailer. “It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to heart and reimagined Project Ethos with a renewed vision—one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our players.”

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Ismailer said 2K’s confidence in the title is growing each day and believes Brinkman, who previously held producer roles at Activision and EA, has the experience needed to craft what the company hopes will become a recognizable franchise. 

“Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends,” continued Ismailer. “Please join me in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to continue to see the evolution of Project Ethos in the months to come.”

About the Author

Senior Editor, News, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton.