🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your group can secure victory? The option is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as production progresses.