2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Response
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer game identity.
The president stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the entire text from the president's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our players.
The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to continue witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the style."
"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 official summary explains. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."
The game does not have an announced release date or supported systems, but players can look forward to additional details as creation continues.
