2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Mixed Feedback
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct direction.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
This announcement echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire content from the president's memo:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to consideration and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our audience.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.
His management and background in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all looking forward to keep observing the development of the game in the time to come.
David
Background of the New Head
Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but players can anticipate more updates as creation continues.
