2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Mixed Feedback
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a distinct vision.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Hires
The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the entire text from the president's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a clearer identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our fans.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all excited to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a public demo. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience 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 real-time to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Face the competition with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that change every match. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and trust your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."
The game lacks an announced launch window or consoles, but players can expect additional details as development advances.
