The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Response
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.
Recently, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined direction.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
The news follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Below is the full text from Ismailer's memo:
Dear Team—
I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to partner 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 gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our fans.
The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His management and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue observing the progress of the game in the months to come.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, put it on the line, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."
The game does not have an announced launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as creation progresses.
