2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Response
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer direction.
The president noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
This announcement follows a comparable step 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 text from the president's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a clearer identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to mind and revamped the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our fans.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. Following some time of discussions, he starts with us on next week.
Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the development of the game in the weeks to come.
David
Experience of the New Head
The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Face the competition with unique powers, stakes, and tests that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."
The game has not yet received an official launch window or supported systems, but players can look forward to additional details as development progresses.
