2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Mixed Response
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined vision.
The president noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
The news echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete text from the president's communication:
Team—
I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”
Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. After a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep seeing the development of the game in the time to come.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward 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 game's pitch states. "Face the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."
The game lacks an official debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as production progresses.
