2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.
Recently, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct direction.
The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Hires
This announcement follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Below is the entire content from the president's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I understand 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 update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, he starts with us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the recent years producing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various 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 revealed in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."
The game does not have an official release date or platforms, but fans can expect more updates as production continues.
