2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Strategic 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 assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the complete message from Ismailer's memo:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”
Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.
Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in receiving him in the coming days. We are all excited to continue seeing the progress of the game in the weeks to follow.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints 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 portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."
The game has not yet received an official release date or platforms, but players can look forward to more updates as development continues.
