2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Change Follows Mixed Feedback
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a distinct vision.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Here is the full content from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a clearer vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our players.
The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having dedicated the recent years developing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in greeting him next week. We are all eager to continue seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective 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 match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or consoles, but fans can anticipate further news as production continues.
