2K Games 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 action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Poor Feedback
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined direction.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.
Trend of Key Hires
This announcement follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full message from the president's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our fans.
The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. Following some time of talks, Ben comes aboard us on next week.
His management and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all eager to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution 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 match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Face the competition with new abilities, stakes, and tests that change every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos does not have an official release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as creation progresses.
