2K Brings Onboard Popular Battle Royale Producer to Rescue Challenged Hero Shooter Project Ethos

2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. After several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or aim high, risk it all, and trust your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."

The game has not yet received an confirmed release date or platforms, but fans can anticipate additional details as development continues.