2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Follows Poor Feedback
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer direction.
Ismailer noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to address player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
The news echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full text from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”
With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to consideration and overhauled the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our fans.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. Following a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.
His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
David
Experience of the New Leader
Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Face the opponents with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your group can secure victory? The option is in your hands."
The game has not yet received an announced release date or consoles, but players can expect further news as production continues.
