2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Mixed Response
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.
The president noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
The news follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full content from Ismailer's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I know 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 message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a sharper identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following a period of conversations, he starts with us on next week.
Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most popular series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
David
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."
The game has not yet received an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as production advances.
