2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Response
The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct vision.
The president stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
This announcement follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete text from the president's announcement:
Dear Team—
I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a sharper brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.
His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Take on the competition with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as creation progresses.
