2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback
The new appointee assumes 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' lackluster early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.
The president stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
This announcement follows a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full message from the president's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
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 note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a sharper identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our players.
Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to persist observing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement 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, stakes, and obstacles that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."
The game has not yet received an official debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as development advances.
