2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Poor Reception
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last autumn.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the need for a distinct direction.
The president noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
The news echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full content from the president's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”
With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to mind and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. Following several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
David
Experience of the New Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is yours."
The game does not have an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as creation continues.
