The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman 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 Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the necessity for a more defined game identity.
The president noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
The news echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the full message from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on next week.
His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all looking forward to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
The President
Experience of the New Head
The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a public demo. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that change every session. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and trust your squad can secure victory? The choice is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or supported systems, but players can look forward to further news as development progresses.
