2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Reception
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a clearer game identity.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
The news mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Below is the full message from the president's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to heart and revamped the title with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our players.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. After several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
His management and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most popular titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
David
Background of the New Head
Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a public demo. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the style."
"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 unique powers, challenges, and tests that change every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your team can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or platforms, but players can expect additional details as creation advances.
