🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee steps into 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 Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our players.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. After several months of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the style."

"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 game's pitch explains. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that change every match. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but fans can anticipate additional details as production continues.