The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct game identity.
The president stated that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full text from the president's memo:
Dear Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a sharper vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following some time of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the recent years creating and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all excited to persist witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.
David
Background of the New Head
The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a public demo. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Face the competition with new abilities, stakes, and tests that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."
The game does not have an official launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as development continues.
