2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Mixed Reception
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
The news mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the entire message from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our audience.
The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the progress of the game in the months to follow.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Take on the competition with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your squad can secure victory? The decision is up to you."
The game lacks an announced launch window or supported systems, but players can look forward to further news as production progresses.
