🔗 Share this article

2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer direction.

The president noted that the team is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our audience.

The trust in this project grows every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His guidance and background in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all excited to keep seeing the development of the game in the months to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"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 states. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an official release date or supported systems, but players can anticipate additional details as creation progresses.