2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a clearer game identity.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Key Hires
The news echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the entire text from the president's announcement:
Dear Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”
With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the new Director of the team. Following a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to continue observing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward 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 suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, risks, and challenges that shift every match. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as creation continues.
