2K Hires Popular Battle Royale Lead to Boost Struggling Hero Shooter Project Ethos

2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire content from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a clearer brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, he officially joins us on next week.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all excited to keep seeing the progress of the game in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Face the competition with new abilities, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an official release date or consoles, but fans can expect additional details as creation advances.