2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer direction.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Hires
The news follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the complete content from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”
With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a clearer vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our audience.
The trust in this project increases every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.
His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having devoted the recent years creating and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
David
Experience of the New Leader
The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 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 live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."
The game lacks an confirmed release date or consoles, but fans can expect more updates as development continues.
