2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Poor Reception
Brinkman steps into 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 the game's lackluster early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer game identity.
The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
The news mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to mind and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our fans.
The belief in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. Following some time of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.
His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that change every match. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your team can secure victory? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or platforms, but fans can expect additional details as creation advances.
