2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Comes After Poor Response
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer direction.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
This announcement follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full message from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up 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 believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to mind and overhauled the title with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our fans.
The trust in this project strengthens every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.
His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep observing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution 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 fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Take on the competition with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, risk it all, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or consoles, but players can expect additional details as development progresses.
