The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Mixed Reception
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct game identity.
The president noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete content from the president's memo:
Team—
I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our audience.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Lead of the team. Following some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.
Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked 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.
Game Details and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and tests that change every match. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as production progresses.
