The Gaming Giant Recruits Popular Battle Royale Lead to Rescue Challenged Action Game Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire content from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Face the competition with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your squad can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

The game has not yet received an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but players can anticipate additional details as creation progresses.