2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Mixed Reception
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a more defined game identity.
Ismailer stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Hires
The news follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.
Below is the entire message 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 believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our fans.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the recent years developing and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Face the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or consoles, but fans can expect more updates as creation progresses.
