2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Response
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a distinct direction.
The president stated that the team is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full text from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our fans.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. After several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.
His management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all excited to continue observing the evolution of the game in the months to come.
David
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as production continues.
