The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Response
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.
Recently, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined direction.
The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to better meet community desires.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full content from the president's announcement:
Team—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a sharper brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our audience.
The belief in this project grows every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.
Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of the game in the months to come.
The President
Experience of the New Head
Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, risks, and tests that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as development progresses.
