2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Shift Follows Poor Response
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct vision.
The president noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Here is the complete message from the president's communication:
Team—
I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our fans.
The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the development of the game in the time to ahead.
The President
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the genre."
"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 explains. "Face the competition with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that change every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but players can expect additional details as production continues.
