The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Reception
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.
Recently, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a more defined direction.
Ismailer noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the complete content from the president's announcement:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.
The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an official release date or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as development advances.
