The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Response
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.
Recently, 2K president a key figure 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.
The president expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Hires
This announcement follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Below is the full content from the president's memo:
Dear Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a more distinct brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.
Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most popular titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist observing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and tests that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your squad can secure victory? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as development progresses.
