The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Feedback
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined game identity.
The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the full message from the president's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our audience.
Our confidence in this project increases every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following some time of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.
His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and tests that change every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your squad can secure victory? The choice is up to you."
The game lacks an official launch window or consoles, but players can expect further news as development progresses.
