🔗 Share this article

2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct vision.

The president stated that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full text from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. 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 advanced. You accepted the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue observing the development of the game in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience 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 match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

The game has not yet received an announced launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as development advances.