The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a more defined vision.
The president expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to address gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Below is the full message from Ismailer's communication:
Team—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having spent the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all excited to continue witnessing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every round. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as production advances.
