The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Follows Poor Reception
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a more defined game identity.
The president stated that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Key Recruitment
This announcement echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full text from the president's announcement:
Dear Team—
I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our fans.
Our confidence in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.
His management and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to continue seeing the evolution of the game in the months to follow.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The option is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as development advances.
