🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement follows a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. Following some time of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most popular titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year together with a early access event. Initially, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"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 competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or consoles, but players can expect additional details as development continues.