The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.
Recently, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined direction.
The president expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
The news follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games 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 message from the president's announcement:
Team—
I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”
With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a sharper brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.
Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in greeting him soon. We are all eager to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently holds the position 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 Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Face the competition with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your squad can secure victory? The choice is up to you."
The game has not yet received an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate additional details as creation progresses.
