🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Follows Poor Response

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete content from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to consideration and overhauled the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the new Director of the team. After several months of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Face the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that evolve every session. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as development continues.