🔗 Share this article

2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Hires

The news mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete content 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 positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the new Director of the team. After a period of discussions, he starts with us on next week.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the recent years producing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, risks, and tests that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."

The game has not yet received an announced release date or supported systems, but players can look forward to additional details as creation advances.