2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Change Follows Mixed Feedback
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a distinct direction.
Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full content from Ismailer's communication:
Dear Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to consideration and overhauled the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our audience.
The trust in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all eager to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
David
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Face the competition with unique powers, stakes, and tests that change every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."
The game does not have an confirmed release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as development progresses.
