2K Hires Popular Battle Royale Lead to Boost Challenged Action Game Ambitious Title

The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head 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 disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a more defined vision.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, 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 memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having spent the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as production continues.