2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined game identity.
Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Hires
This announcement follows a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.
Here is the entire text from the president's memo:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our players.
The belief in this project grows every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the new Lead of the team. After several months of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.
His leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
David
Experience of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but fans can expect additional details as production continues.
