The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception
Brinkman takes on 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 lackluster initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a more defined vision.
The president noted that the team is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following several months of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His management and background in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the recent years creating and leading some of the most well-known series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to ahead.
David
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the genre."
"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 game's pitch reads. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, risk it all, and hope your team can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."
The game does not have an official launch window or supported systems, but players can expect additional details as production continues.
