2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Response
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.
The president noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full content from the president's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”
With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a clearer brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.
His leadership and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to continue witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to follow.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."
The game does not have an official debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can expect additional details as production progresses.
