🔗 Share this article

2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to heart and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following a period of talks, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Take on the competition with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as production continues.