2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined direction.
The president stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Here is the entire content from the president's communication:
Team—
I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate 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 gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our players.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on next week.
His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all excited to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
David
Background of the New Head
Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year together with a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, risks, and tests that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."
The game has not yet received an announced launch window or supported systems, but fans can look forward to additional details as development continues.
