2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Reception
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a distinct game identity.
The president stated that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
The news mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the complete text from the president's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our audience.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Director of the team. After several months of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.
His management and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Face the competition with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that change every match. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."
The game lacks an confirmed release date or supported systems, but fans can expect further news as development progresses.
