🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete text from the president's communication:

Team—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

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

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement 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 suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your squad can secure victory? The decision is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but fans can anticipate further news as production continues.