🔗 Share this article

2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct vision.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to heart and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The trust in this project increases every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. After a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all excited to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Face the rivals with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The decision is yours."

The game has not yet received an announced release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as production advances.