The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Mixed Feedback
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.
Recently, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer direction.
The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to better meet community desires.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete message from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the new Lead of the team. Following several months of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having spent the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the style."
"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 explains. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your team can secure victory? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as creation progresses.
