2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Mixed Reception
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a clearer vision.
The president noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
The news follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the full text from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our players.
Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.
His leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.
David
Background of the New Head
Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a early access event. Then, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Face the opponents with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or platforms, but fans can anticipate more updates as creation continues.
