2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Response
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct vision.
Ismailer stated that the team is now refining the project with a revised approach, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
This announcement follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the full message from the president's announcement:
Dear Team—
I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a clearer identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to heart and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our fans.
The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. After some time of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as development continues.
