2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer vision.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the entire text from the president's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”
With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a more distinct vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.
Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
The President
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."
Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but players can anticipate additional details as development continues.
