🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a clearer direction.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following several months of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the recent years developing and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all excited to continue seeing the progress of the game in the time to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and trust your squad can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as development continues.