2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Comes After Poor Response
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.
Recently, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined vision.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
The news mirrors a similar 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 entire message from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”
Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
The President
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling 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 game's pitch reads. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."
The game lacks an announced launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as production continues.
