🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the necessity for a distinct direction.

The president stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire text from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

The belief in this project increases every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving him in the coming days. We are all excited to continue observing the development of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Take on the competition with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

The game does not have an announced release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as production continues.