2K Hires Popular Battle Royale Developer to Rescue Struggling Action Game Ambitious Title

The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining the project with a revised approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the full message from the president's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that change every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official debut schedule or supported systems, but players can expect more updates as development progresses.