🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Poor Reception

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our players.

The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. Following some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist observing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but players can look forward to further news as production progresses.