2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Comes After Poor Response
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.
Recently, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer direction.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to address gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
The news echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full content from Ismailer's communication:
Dear Team—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our audience.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. After some time of talks, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the recent years creating and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the progress of the game in the time to follow.
David
Background of the New Leader
The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a public demo. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, gamble everything, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an official release date or consoles, but fans can look forward to additional details as production continues.
