🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to consideration and overhauled the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all looking forward to continue observing the evolution of the game in the time to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that change every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

The game has not yet received an announced debut schedule or consoles, but players can expect further news as development continues.