The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Response
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct direction.
The president noted that the developers is now refining the project with a revised approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
The news echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a sharper identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our players.
Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. Following several months of discussions, he starts with us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all excited to persist seeing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a early access event. At the time, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the category."
"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 game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos does not have an official debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as production continues.
