2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Follows Poor Feedback
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer game identity.
The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, Ben comes aboard us on next week.
Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the recent years producing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that evolve every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your team can secure victory? The choice is yours."
The game does not have an official release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as development advances.
