2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Change Follows Poor Response
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct vision.
The president expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
Trend of Key Recruitment
The news follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the full text from the president's announcement:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a sharper identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our players.
The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having dedicated the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to persist seeing the progress of the game in the time to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling 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 match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an official launch window or consoles, but players can look forward to more updates as production progresses.
