2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Change Follows Lukewarm Response
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer game identity.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
The news mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the full message from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a clearer brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our players.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.
His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the recent years developing and managing some of the most popular series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect further news as production continues.
