The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Change Comes After Mixed Response
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the necessity for a clearer vision.
The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to address gamer demands.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
The news echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete message from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a sharper identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to heart and revamped the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our players.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. After a period of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most popular series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in greeting Ben next week. We are all looking forward to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward 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 suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and tests that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or consoles, but players can look forward to additional details as development continues.
