2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Response
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a more defined game identity.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
The news echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full text from the president's communication:
Dear Team—
I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our audience.
The trust in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.
His management and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all eager to persist witnessing the progress of the game in the months to come.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that evolve every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or consoles, but fans can expect additional details as production continues.
