2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined vision.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
The news follows a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete message from the president's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a more distinct identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having dedicated the recent years developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
David
Background of the New Head
Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 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 real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Face the competition with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and hope your group can secure victory? The decision is up to you."
The game has not yet received an official launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as development advances.
