The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Response
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer direction.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.
Trend of Strategic Hires
The news echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the full message from the president's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our audience.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.
His guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having spent the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most popular series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
The President
Experience of the New Head
The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your group can secure victory? The option is yours."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but fans can anticipate further news as creation progresses.
