2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Response
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a distinct direction.
The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.
Trend of Key Hires
The news echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the entire message from the president's communication:
Dear Team—
I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His management and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
David
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the genre."
"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 description states. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."
The game does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate additional details as creation advances.
