2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined game identity.
The president expressed that the team is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the entire content from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our audience.
The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, Ben starts with us on next week.
His management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to continue witnessing the progress of the game in the weeks to follow.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a early access event. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Face the opponents with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or platforms, but fans can anticipate more updates as production progresses.
