2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Follows Mixed Response
The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the necessity for a more defined direction.
The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
The news follows a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full content from the president's communication:
Dear Team—
I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”
With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our audience.
The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
David
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that change every session. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or go big, gamble everything, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The option is yours."
The game has not yet received an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but fans can look forward to further news as development advances.
