2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a clearer direction.
The president noted that the developers is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Hires
The news mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.
Here is the complete message from the president's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.
His management and expertise in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having dedicated the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, risks, and challenges that shift every match. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."
The game has not yet received an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but fans can look forward to additional details as development continues.
