2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Change Follows Mixed Reception
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the necessity for a clearer game identity.
The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.
Trend of Key Hires
This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.
Below is the full message from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a more distinct brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our fans.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.
His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all eager to continue seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Face the opponents with new abilities, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is yours."
The game does not have an confirmed release date or consoles, but players can anticipate more updates as development advances.
