2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Poor Response
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a distinct vision.
Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
Trend of Key Recruitment
The news echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Here is the full message from the president's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”
With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our audience.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.
Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to come.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every session. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and trust your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."
The game has not yet received an announced release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as production advances.
