2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Reception
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a more defined vision.
The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
The news follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Here is the complete content from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.
His management and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in greeting Ben soon. We are all looking forward to continue observing the development of the game in the weeks to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."
The game lacks an announced debut schedule or platforms, but fans can expect further news as creation advances.
