🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Poor Feedback

Brinkman takes on 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' disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the requirement for a distinct direction.

The president stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a more distinct vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. Following some time of talks, he starts with us on the specified date.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving him next week. We are all looking forward to continue observing the progress of the game in the months to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the category."

"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 description states. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, gamble everything, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect further news as development advances.