2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Key Hires
This announcement follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a more distinct vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following a period of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
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 series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
David
Background of the New Head
Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Vision
The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Face the competition with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."
The game does not have an announced launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as production continues.
