The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Comes After Poor Response
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.
The president noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
The news mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete content from the president's announcement:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our fans.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.
His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the recent years producing and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and trust your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as production progresses.
