The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer vision.
Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
This announcement follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. Following some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having dedicated the recent years developing and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the progress of the game in the weeks to come.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, risk it all, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or consoles, but players can look forward to additional details as production progresses.
