2K-owned 31st Union has named Ben Brinkman as head of its studio, who will begin leading the developer on October 20, 2025.
How Diversity 2K President David Ismailer reportedly informed employees of Brinkman's new role in a memo circulated yesterday (October 16).
“I am delighted to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new head of 31st Union Studios. After months of negotiations, Ben officially joins us on Monday,” Ismailer said.
Brinkman previously served as Head of Production for Apex Legends at Respawn Entertainment.
He also worked at 2K as a producer from July 2006 to March 2008 and held positions at Activision, Treyarch and Electronic Arts Canada.
Ismailer added: “Ben's leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and leading some of gaming's most recognizable franchises, including Call of Duty: Black Ops and, most recently, Apex Legends.”
Brinkman replaces former President Michael Condreywho was fired earlier this year after she raised concerns about the massively multiplayer online game Project Ethos.
At the time, 2K said Condrey would “change his role in the short term to focus on advising on the future of Project Ethos.”
Ismailer also provided staff with an update on Project Ethos, confirming that his “confidence [in the title] growing every day.”
“Community feedback from Project Ethos testing last fall was enlightening. They reaffirmed their promise to create a roguelike shooter, but told us that we still have some work to do. They identified the need for a clearer identity.
“It was inspiring to see how far you have come. You've taken the feedback to heart and reimagined Project Ethos with a renewed vision—one that's ready to deliver on its promises to our players. Our confidence in Project Ethos grows every day.”
