2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Poor Feedback
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head 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.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.
The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the entire message from the president's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a more distinct brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our audience.
The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue witnessing the evolution of the game in the months to ahead.
David
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but players can anticipate more updates as creation progresses.
