The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Reception
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.
Recently, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined vision.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.
Trend of Key Hires
This announcement echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to heart and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our players.
The belief in this project grows every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. Following some time of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having spent the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, risks, and tests that evolve every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."
The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but fans can expect further news as production continues.
