2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Feedback
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer game identity.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to address player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the full message from Ismailer's memo:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a sharper brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our fans.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Lead of the team. Following some time of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.
His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the recent years creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to persist seeing the development of the game in the weeks to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward 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 game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your group can secure victory? The decision is yours."
The game has not yet received an announced release date or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as production continues.
