The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Reception
Brinkman assumes 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 the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a distinct direction.
The president expressed that the team is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Key Hires
This announcement follows a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the full message from the president's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a clearer brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our fans.
The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following several months of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most popular series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Face the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced release date or supported systems, but players can expect further news as production progresses.
