The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union 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 autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a more defined direction.
The president stated that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
The news mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. After several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.
His management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the recent years creating and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
David
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or consoles, but fans can anticipate more updates as production progresses.
