The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback
The new appointee steps into 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 Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Hires
This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our audience.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. Following some time of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
His management and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a public demo. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."
Project Ethos has not yet received an official release date or supported systems, but fans can look forward to further news as production advances.
