🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete content from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. Following some time of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution 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 suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Face the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and tests that evolve every session. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or supported systems, but fans can expect further news as creation progresses.