2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Change Comes After Poor Response
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct direction.
Ismailer noted that the team is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Key Hires
This announcement follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the complete message from the president's announcement:
Dear Team—
I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to consideration and overhauled the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our players.
Our confidence 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 Director of 31st Union. After some time of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all eager to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
The President
Background of the New Head
The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 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 match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and tests that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as creation advances.
