The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a clearer game identity.
Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Key Recruitment
The news mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Here is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, 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 partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”
With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a clearer identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our players.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most popular titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving him next week. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
David
Background of the New Head
The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Face the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and tests that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, risk it all, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."
The game does not have an confirmed launch window or consoles, but players can expect further news as creation continues.
