The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Response
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the necessity for a clearer vision.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”
Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to mind and revamped the title with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our players.
Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having dedicated the recent years producing and managing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting him soon. We are all eager to continue observing the progress of the game in the weeks to ahead.
David
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward 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 official summary reads. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The option is yours."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as development advances.
