2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer direction.
The president expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
This announcement follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the full text from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our players.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the new Director of the team. After a period of discussions, he officially joins us on next week.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."
"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 official summary states. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or consoles, but players can expect more updates as production continues.
