2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
Trend of Key Hires
The news mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete content from the president's memo:
Dear Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and overhauled the title with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our fans.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following a period of discussions, Ben starts with us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the category."
"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 states. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."
The game lacks an announced debut schedule or consoles, but players can anticipate additional details as production continues.
