The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Comes After Mixed Response
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a distinct vision.
The president noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Hires
The news follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the full message from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a sharper vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled the title with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our players.
The trust in this project increases every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Lead of the team. After some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.
Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or platforms, but players can expect further news as creation continues.
