🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a distinct direction.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to consideration and overhauled the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming space is vast, having dedicated the recent years producing and leading some of the most popular series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, gamble everything, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is yours."

The game lacks an official launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as creation progresses.