2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Response
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a distinct direction.
The president noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. After some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming Ben next week. We are all looking forward to keep observing the development of the game in the time to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as creation advances.
