The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Follows Poor Response
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.
Recently, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a clearer game identity.
Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
This announcement follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete message from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, he officially joins us on the specified date.
His leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting Ben soon. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
The President
Background of the New Head
The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and tests that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an official release date or supported systems, but players can anticipate additional details as creation continues.
