🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a clearer direction.

The president stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to continue witnessing the progress of the game in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an official release date or platforms, but fans can expect more updates as creation progresses.