2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Shift Comes After Poor Feedback
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Lead of the team. Following several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on next week.
His management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the recent years producing and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep seeing the development of the game in the weeks to ahead.
David
Experience of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and tests that change every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."
The game does not have an official launch window or platforms, but fans can anticipate further news as creation progresses.
