2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.
Recently, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer game identity.
The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised vision, aiming to address player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
This announcement follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the entire content from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed 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 collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our players.
The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. Following a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.
His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every match. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can look forward to more updates as creation progresses.
