2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Poor Response
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer direction.
Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Key Recruitment
The news mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our audience.
The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.
His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting him soon. We are all excited to persist witnessing the development of the game in the months to follow.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year together with a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."
The game has not yet received an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as creation progresses.
