🔗 Share this article

2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to consideration and reimagined the title with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, risks, and challenges that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but fans can look forward to further news as production continues.