🔗 Share this article

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 forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full text from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Director of the team. Following some time of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can anticipate additional details as production progresses.