2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Response
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer game identity.
The president noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete message from the president's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”
With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our players.
The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. Following a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to continue seeing the development of the game in the weeks to come.
David
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the category."
"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 game's pitch states. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that change every round. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and hope your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos does not have an official release date or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as production continues.
