The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Response
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer vision.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Strategic Hires
This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”
With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our audience.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. Following a period of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the progress of the game in the months to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can expect additional details as creation advances.
