2K Recruits Popular Battle Royale Producer to Rescue Troubled Action Game Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct vision.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

The news follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter field is vast, having dedicated the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and tests that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as creation continues.