🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer direction.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete text from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

His guidance and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling 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 match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or go big, risk it all, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as production progresses.