🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Poor Feedback

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire message from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to persist observing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

David

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution 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 match your preferred approach," the description states. "Face the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and tests that change every match. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or consoles, but fans can expect more updates as development advances.