2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:
Dear Team—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”
With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. After some time of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.
Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to keep witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Take on the competition with new abilities, stakes, and tests that evolve every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can secure victory? The choice is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as production progresses.
