2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Reception
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.
Recently, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the need for a distinct direction.
Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Key Hires
This announcement echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the entire message from the president's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a clearer identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our players.
The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."
The game has not yet received an announced release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as development continues.
