2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Transition Follows Poor Feedback
The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined game identity.
The president noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
The news mirrors a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete content from the president's announcement:
Dear Team—
I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, he officially joins us on next week.
Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in welcoming Ben next week. We are all eager to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
David
Experience of the New Leader
The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the category."
"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 description explains. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and trust your team can secure victory? The choice is up to you."
The game does not have an announced debut schedule or consoles, but fans can expect more updates as creation continues.
