🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Poor Feedback

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a clearer direction.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Below is the full message from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our audience.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. After several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all eager to persist observing the progress of the game in the time to come.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a public demo. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Face the competition with unique powers, challenges, and tests that shift every match. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official release date or supported systems, but players can expect more updates as development progresses.