2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Poor Reception
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct direction.
The president stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
The news follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete content from the president's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our fans.
Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, he comes aboard us on the specified date.
Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
The President
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a public demo. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."
Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as development continues.
