2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct direction.
The president expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a sharper brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.
His management and experience in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having devoted the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and tests that change every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."
The game does not have an official launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect further news as creation continues.
