2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer direction.
Ismailer noted that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the entire text from the president's announcement:
Team—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our fans.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all excited to persist witnessing the progress of the game in the time to follow.
David
Experience of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and pray your group can secure victory? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or platforms, but fans can expect additional details as development continues.
