2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Change Follows Mixed Feedback
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a more defined vision.
The president noted that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Strategic Hires
The news echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete message from the president's memo:
Dear Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”
With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our audience.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to persist observing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
David
Background of the New Leader
The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in last year alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."
Project Ethos does not have an official debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect further news as production continues.
