2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer direction.
The president stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
The news mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Below is the full content from the president's memo:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our fans.
The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. Following several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all excited to persist witnessing the progress of the game in the weeks to come.
David
Background of the New Head
Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every match. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as creation continues.
