The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined vision.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement follows a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Below is the entire text from the president's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a clearer identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
David
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Face the competition with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as production continues.
