2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Feedback
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Below is the full message from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a clearer brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on next week.
Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the recent years producing and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all eager to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, risks, and tests that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos does not have an official debut schedule or consoles, but fans can look forward to more updates as production advances.
