2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Mixed Reception
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined vision.
The president stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to address gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Below is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:
Dear Team—
I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following some time of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in receiving him next week. We are all excited to keep observing the evolution of the game in the weeks to follow.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."
The game lacks an official debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate additional details as creation progresses.
