2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.
Recently, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer vision.
The president stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Key Hires
This announcement follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete message from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”
Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After a period of conversations, he officially joins us on next week.
His management and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the time to come.
David
Background of the New Leader
The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting 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 description explains. "Face the opponents with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your team can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."
The game has not yet received an confirmed release date or supported systems, but players can expect more updates as creation advances.
