2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Reception
Brinkman assumes the leadership position 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 lackluster unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer game identity.
Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Key Recruitment
The news echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to consideration and overhauled the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our players.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. After a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.
His management and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
David
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement 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 fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Face the competition with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The option is yours."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as production continues.
