2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Poor Response
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct vision.
The president stated that the team is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.
Trend of Key Hires
This announcement follows a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete text from the president's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe 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 eager for that relationship to continue.”
With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. Following several months of discussions, he officially joins us on the specified date.
His leadership and background in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.
David
Experience of the New Head
The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the category."
"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 competition with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that change every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate additional details as production progresses.
