The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined game identity.
The president noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire content from the president's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most popular series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist observing the evolution of the game in the weeks to follow.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. At the time, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."
The game does not have an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as creation advances.
