The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Comes After Poor Response
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.
Recently, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer vision.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Hires
The news mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the entire message from the president's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a more distinct identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. After a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having spent the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
David
Background of the New Head
The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Vision
The upcoming game was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and challenges that change every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your team can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."
The game has not yet received an announced launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as development advances.
