2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer vision.
Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire content from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was informative. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our players.
The belief in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."
The game has not yet received an official release date or consoles, but fans can anticipate further news as development advances.
