🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a more defined vision.

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

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement follows a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the recent years developing and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all eager to keep observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and hope your team can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or supported systems, but fans can expect more updates as creation advances.