🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Poor Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full text from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After some time of talks, he starts with us on the specified date.

His guidance and background in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the progress of the game in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward 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. "Face the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, gamble everything, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

The game lacks an announced release date or consoles, but fans can look forward to additional details as development advances.