2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Response
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined game identity.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to better meet community desires.
Trend of Key Recruitment
The news echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our fans.
Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
His guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all eager to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.
David
Background of the New Leader
The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as production advances.
