2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Change Follows Mixed Reception
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.
The president stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Key Hires
The news follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the entire text from the president's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our players.
Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, he starts with us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most popular titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
David
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling 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 fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, stakes, and tests that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."
The game lacks an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but players can look forward to more updates as production continues.
