2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Mixed Reception
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last autumn.
Recently, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the requirement for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full message from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was informative. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all looking forward to keep observing the evolution of the game in the time to come.
David
Experience of the New Head
Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and tests that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."
The game lacks an official debut schedule or platforms, but players can look forward to further news as creation progresses.
