2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Response
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct vision.
The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Below is the entire message from the president's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a sharper vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.
The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.
His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming Ben next week. We are all looking forward to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and tests that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."
The game lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but fans can look forward to additional details as production advances.
