🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the requirement for a clearer game identity.

The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. After several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the recent years developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all looking forward to persist observing the development of the game in the months to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Face the opponents with unique powers, risks, and challenges that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or consoles, but fans can look forward to more updates as development progresses.