The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Response
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.
Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a sharper identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our fans.
Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.
His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all eager to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."
The game lacks an announced release date or supported systems, but players can look forward to further news as creation continues.
