The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Change Comes After Mixed Reception
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer vision.
The president noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.
Here is the complete content from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”
Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our players.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
The President
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter 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 suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that change every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."
Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as creation advances.
