2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct vision.
The president noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. 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 dedicated and innovative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a clearer brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our audience.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, he officially joins us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.
David
Background of the New Leader
The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the category."
"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 new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, risk it all, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as production advances.
