The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Shift Comes After Poor Response
Brinkman 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 the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct vision.
Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
The news follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete message from Ismailer's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”
With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in receiving him in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to follow.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Vision
The upcoming game was revealed in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as development progresses.
