🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Feedback

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 removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete message from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the recent years producing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of the game in the months to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an official debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as creation advances.