2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Response
The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the necessity for a distinct direction.
The president stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
The news follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our audience.
The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.
His management and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the recent years developing and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all looking forward to persist observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
David
Experience of the New Head
Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Face the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that change every match. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."
The game lacks an announced release date or platforms, but fans can anticipate more updates as development continues.
