🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Poor Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct direction.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete text from the president's communication:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. Following some time of discussions, he officially joins us on next week.

His management and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having spent the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting Ben soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the progress of the game in the months to come.

David

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward 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 description reads. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or platforms, but players can look forward to further news as creation continues.