The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our players.
The trust in this project strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
His management and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having spent the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the months to follow.
David
Background of the New Head
Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward 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 game's pitch states. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, gamble everything, and hope your squad can secure victory? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but fans can anticipate additional details as production progresses.
