🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a clearer vision.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most popular series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."

"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 game's pitch reads. "Face the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or supported systems, but players can expect further news as development progresses.