🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news mirrors a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your squad can secure victory? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an official release date or platforms, but players can anticipate additional details as creation continues.