2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Response
The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the necessity for a more defined direction.
Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Hires
The news echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Below is the entire message from the president's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
The upcoming game was revealed in last year alongside a public demo. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your team can secure victory? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or supported systems, but fans can look forward to additional details as creation continues.
