The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct game identity.
The president stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Hires
The news echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of the game in the time to follow.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a early access event. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your squad can secure victory? The choice is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as production advances.
