2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Follows Poor Reception
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer game identity.
The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete text from the president's memo:
Team—
I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our audience.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having spent the recent years producing and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in welcoming Ben next week. We are all eager to persist observing the progress of the game in the time to come.
David
Background of the New Head
Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the category."
"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 game's pitch states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, gamble everything, and hope your team can secure victory? The choice is up to you."
The game has not yet received an announced release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as development advances.
