2K Brings Onboard Popular Battle Royale Lead to Revitalize Challenged Hero Shooter Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct game identity.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from the president's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident 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 eager for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to consideration and overhauled the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement 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 match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate additional details as creation advances.