2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm 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' underwhelming unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the necessity for a clearer direction.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
The news follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full text from the president's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”
With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our players.
The trust in this project strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he officially joins us on next week.
His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the development of the game in the months to follow.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and tests that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as development continues.
