The Gaming Giant Recruits Apex Legends Lead to Rescue Challenged Hero Shooter Project Ethos

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

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

Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

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

Here is the complete message from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement 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 match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Face the competition with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every match. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an announced launch window or platforms, but fans can anticipate additional details as production progresses.