🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman 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 Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a more defined vision.

The president stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled 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 motivated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. After several months of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Face the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, risk it all, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

The game lacks an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can anticipate further news as development progresses.