The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Follows Poor Feedback
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined vision.
The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
The news echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full content from the president's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”
With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a sharper brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to heart and revamped the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our players.
The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following several months of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the progress of the game in the weeks to come.
The President
Background of the New Head
Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an official release date or consoles, but players can look forward to more updates as production continues.
