The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Mixed Feedback
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined game identity.
The president expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.
Trend of Key Recruitment
This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the entire message from the president's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a sharper vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and revamped the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.
His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as production advances.
