2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Comes After Poor Reception
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.
The president stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Key Hires
This announcement echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete content from Ismailer's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”
With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our fans.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. Following a period of conversations, he starts with us on next week.
His leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to continue observing the progress of the game in the weeks to ahead.
David
Experience of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that change every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, put it on the line, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The option is yours."
The game lacks an announced release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as production continues.
