2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Feedback
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a more defined direction.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a sharper identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our players.
The belief in this project grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. Following a period of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His leadership and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person 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 live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, risks, and challenges that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and trust your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."
The game lacks an official release date or platforms, but players can expect more updates as creation progresses.
