2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Shift Comes After Poor Reception
Brinkman 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 the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a more defined vision.
The president stated that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Below is the full content from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was informative. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
His management and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all excited to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
The President
Experience of the New Head
The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that shift every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an official debut schedule or platforms, but fans can look forward to additional details as development progresses.
