2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Follows Poor Feedback
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the necessity for a distinct direction.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the entire text from the president's memo:
Team—
I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.
His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.
The President
Background of the New Head
The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the style."
"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 states. "Face the rivals with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your team can secure victory? The choice is yours."
The game lacks an confirmed release date or platforms, but fans can anticipate further news as creation continues.
