2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a distinct vision.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete text from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”
Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a clearer brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our fans.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist seeing the progress of the game in the months to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling 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 explains. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and trust your group can secure victory? The option is yours."
The game does not have an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but players can anticipate further news as production advances.
