2K Hires Popular Battle Royale Developer to Revitalize Challenged Action Game Ambitious Title

2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Poor Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full message from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time 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 designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, he officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the time to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 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! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and tests that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as production continues.