The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Feedback
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined vision.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
The news mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.
Here is the complete message from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a more distinct brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed 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 welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His management and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all eager to keep observing the development of the game in the months to ahead.
David
Experience of the New Leader
The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or supported systems, but players can anticipate more updates as production continues.
