2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer game identity.
The president stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete content from the president's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."
The game lacks an official release date or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as creation continues.
