The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Mixed Feedback
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.
Recently, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer game identity.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Here is the full content from the president's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand 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 update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our fans.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
His management and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward 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 match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect further news as creation progresses.
