🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Comes After Poor Reception

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news follows a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire message from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

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

The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting Ben soon. We are all looking forward to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience 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 fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and tests that shift every match. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."

The game has not yet received an confirmed launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as creation continues.