The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Response
The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer direction.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the entire content from Ismailer's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our fans.
Our confidence in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. Following some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to keep witnessing the development of the game in the months to ahead.
The President
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a public demo. Then, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Face the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."
The game does not have an official release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect further news as creation advances.
