The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Change Comes After Poor Response
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined direction.
The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.
Below is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and revamped the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our players.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the new Director of the team. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having spent the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that change every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your squad can secure victory? The choice is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect further news as production continues.
