2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Mixed Reception
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer game identity.
Ismailer stated that the team is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.
Here is the complete content from Ismailer's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”
With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a sharper brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our players.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all looking forward to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."
"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 description explains. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as development continues.
