2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Mixed Response
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a clearer vision.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
The news echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a sharper identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our players.
Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. After several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the recent years developing and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to come.
David
Background of the New Head
The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Face the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and tests that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."
The game lacks an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as production progresses.
