2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Poor Reception
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined game identity.
Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full content from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a clearer identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. Following several months of talks, Ben starts with us on the specified date.
His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming Ben next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
The President
Experience of the New Head
Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement 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 suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Face the opponents with unique powers, risks, and tests that change every round. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."
The game lacks an official debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can expect more updates as development advances.
