2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Follows Mixed Response
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted 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 revised focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
The news mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full content from the president's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate 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 player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a more distinct vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, he comes aboard us on the specified date.
Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.
The President
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution 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, stakes, and tests that change every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your team can secure victory? The option is yours."
Project Ethos has not yet received an official release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as production continues.
