2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Mixed Feedback
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
The news mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full text from the president's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having dedicated the recent years developing and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in greeting Ben soon. We are all excited to continue observing the evolution of the game in the months to come.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or supported systems, but fans can anticipate further news as creation advances.
