2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a distinct vision.
Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement follows a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.
Below is the full text from the president's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to mind and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our audience.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Director of the team. Following some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on next week.
Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all excited to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
David
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your squad can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as creation progresses.
