The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Poor Feedback
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct vision.
The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
The news echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the full text from the president's communication:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”
With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a clearer brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our players.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.
His management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all eager to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
The President
Background of the New Head
Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that change every match. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."
The game has not yet received an announced launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as production continues.
