The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Poor Response
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer game identity.
Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Hires
The news echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”
With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a clearer identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our players.
The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.
Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to keep seeing the development of the game in the weeks to ahead.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the style."
"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 description explains. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or consoles, but players can expect more updates as development progresses.
