The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a clearer game identity.
Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Key Recruitment
The news echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full text from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a clearer brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our fans.
The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, he starts with us on next week.
His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most popular titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
The President
Experience of the New Head
Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement 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. "Face the competition with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."
The game does not have an announced release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect further news as creation advances.
