The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Change Follows Lukewarm Response
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last autumn.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct direction.
Ismailer noted that the team is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Hires
The news mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete message from the president's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a sharper identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our fans.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.
His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to persist observing the progress of the game in the months to come.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that evolve every match. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."
The game lacks an announced release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as development advances.
