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 working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Response
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer direction.
Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the entire content from the president's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to consideration and overhauled the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our audience.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.
Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the style."
"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. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and tests that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."
Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or supported systems, but fans can expect further news as development continues.
