2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Change Follows Mixed Reception
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a more defined direction.
The president stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
Trend of Key Recruitment
This announcement echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete message from Ismailer's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a sharper brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our fans.
The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having spent the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting him next week. We are all eager to persist witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and tests that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your team can secure victory? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as production continues.
