🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to mind and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

The game does not have an announced debut schedule or consoles, but fans can anticipate more updates as creation progresses.