2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct vision.
The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to better meet community desires.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
The news mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Below is the full message from the president's memo:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a sharper identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in welcoming Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the evolution of the game in the months to ahead.
David
Experience of the New Head
The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Face the competition with new abilities, risks, and tests that evolve every round. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your squad can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as creation continues.
