2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Reception
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined game identity.
The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
The news mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our fans.
The trust in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on next week.
Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having devoted the recent years producing and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all looking forward to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to come.
David
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and tests that change every session. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The option is yours."
The game does not have an official launch window or supported systems, but fans can look forward to more updates as production continues.
