The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.
Recently, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer game identity.
The president noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.
Trend of Key Hires
This announcement echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the full message from the president's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our fans.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."
The game does not have an announced debut schedule or consoles, but players can expect further news as development continues.
