2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Response
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a distinct vision.
The president stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Key Hires
The news mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full message from Ismailer's memo:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses 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 work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After several months of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His management and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to keep observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
The President
Background of the New Head
Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game 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 roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward 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 game's pitch states. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that change every round. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your squad can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as creation progresses.
