2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Response
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer direction.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
This announcement follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete message from the president's announcement:
Team—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our fans.
The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the recent years producing and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that evolve every match. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."
The game lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as creation continues.
