2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Poor Feedback
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.
Recently, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct direction.
The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Key Hires
The news mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the complete text from the president's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a sharper brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our audience.
The trust in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.
His leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Vision
The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your group can secure victory? The option is yours."
The game lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate additional details as production continues.
