🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

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

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.

His management and background in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the recent years creating and managing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him next week. We are all excited to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Face the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as development advances.