🔗 Share this article

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

Management Transition Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman 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 initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a clearer direction.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. Following some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to keep observing the development of the game in the time to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Take on the competition with new abilities, stakes, and tests that change every match. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

The game lacks an official debut schedule or consoles, but players can look forward to more updates as creation progresses.