2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends 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.
Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a more defined vision.
The president stated that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
The news mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Here is the full content from the president's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”
With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to consideration and reimagined the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our fans.
The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. After a period of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
David
Background of the New Head
Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your squad can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can expect further news as creation progresses.
