The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Reception
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined game identity.
The president stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to address gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Hires
The news mirrors a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full text from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. Following a period of talks, Ben starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue witnessing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your group can secure victory? The choice is yours."
The game has not yet received an official launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as creation progresses.
