The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer vision.
The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”
With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a sharper identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.
The belief in this project grows every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having devoted the recent years producing and managing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
The President
Background of the New Head
Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or platforms, but fans can expect additional details as creation advances.
