2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback
The new appointee takes on the leadership position 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 underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer vision.
Ismailer stated that the team is now refining the project with a revised vision, aiming to address player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full content from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a clearer identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. After some time of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.
His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having dedicated the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
David
Background of the New Head
Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment 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.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and pray your squad can secure victory? The decision is up to you."
The game lacks an confirmed launch window or consoles, but players can anticipate more updates as development progresses.
