2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception
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 removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined game identity.
The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the entire text from the president's memo:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our fans.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.
Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting him next week. We are all excited to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
David
Experience of the New Head
The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Face the competition with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can anticipate further news as production continues.
