2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Change Follows Mixed Feedback
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Hires
This announcement echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the complete message from the president's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our audience.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in greeting Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist observing the development of the game in the time to follow.
The President
Background of the New Head
Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling 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 game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and tests that shift every match. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."
The game has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as production continues.
