🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a more defined direction.

The president stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to mind and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following several months of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having spent the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue observing the evolution of the game in the weeks to come.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Face the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and tests that shift every match. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or supported systems, but players can look forward to more updates as creation advances.