🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Poor Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire message from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following a period of discussions, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative 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 suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as creation progresses.