2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Comes After Poor Response
The new appointee takes on 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 the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.
The president noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Key Hires
The news mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire message from the president's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a sharper vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our players.
The belief in this project grows every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, he starts with us on next week.
Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
David
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can anticipate further news as production progresses.
