2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Follows Mixed Feedback
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a more defined direction.
The president noted that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
The news mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete message from Ismailer's memo:
Dear Team—
I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a sharper vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to heart and overhauled the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all eager to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
The President
Background of the New Head
Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."
The game lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect further news as production continues.
