The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Change Follows Lukewarm Response
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer vision.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete message from the president's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic 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 dedicated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.
His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or consoles, but players can expect more updates as development progresses.
