2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment 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 Follows Lukewarm Feedback
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.
Recently, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined vision.
The president stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a sharper vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our players.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following some time of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.
His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."
"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. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or supported systems, but fans can look forward to additional details as production advances.
