🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head 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 initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After a period of talks, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Face the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, risk it all, and hope your squad can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as creation progresses.