The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Mixed Reception
The new appointee 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 initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer vision.
Ismailer noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Key Hires
This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the full content from Ismailer's communication:
Team—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a sharper vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our fans.
The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on next week.
Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to persist witnessing the development of the game in the time to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution 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 fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."
The game has not yet received an confirmed launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as development continues.
