The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a distinct vision.
The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
The news echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full message from the president's memo:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a clearer vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our audience.
Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. Following several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the progress of the game in the time to follow.
David
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."
The game has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but fans can expect additional details as development advances.
