🔗 Share this article

2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Poor Response

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct vision.

The president stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After some time of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that change every session. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and hope your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect further news as creation advances.