🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the necessity for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our players.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. After a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable 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 excited to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

The game has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but players can expect further news as production continues.