2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Follows Poor Reception
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer direction.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
The news echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Below is the entire message from Ismailer's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a clearer vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.
His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all eager to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
David
Experience of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution 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 match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your group can secure victory? The decision is yours."
The game lacks an confirmed launch window or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as development continues.
