2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Key Recruitment
This announcement echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete message from the president's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”
With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a sharper brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. After several months of conversations, he starts with us on next week.
His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to persist observing the development of the game in the time to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your team can secure victory? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or consoles, but players can expect more updates as creation continues.
