2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to address gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
The news echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Here is the complete text from the president's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, he starts with us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of the game in the time to come.
David
Experience of the New Leader
Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and tests that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."
The game has not yet received an confirmed release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as development progresses.
