2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Poor Reception
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a more defined vision.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
The news echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the full text from the president's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on the specified date.
Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting 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 suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, risks, and tests that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."
Project Ethos has not yet received an official release date or supported systems, but players can anticipate additional details as development continues.
