2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Response
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a clearer game identity.
The president noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
The news echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete text from the president's memo:
Dear Team—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our fans.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, he starts with us on next week.
Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all eager to keep witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Face the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and tests that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or platforms, but fans can anticipate further news as development continues.
