2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Mixed Feedback
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the need for a clearer game identity.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
The news follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the full text from the president's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our audience.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. After a period of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."
The game does not have an announced launch window or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as development advances.
