2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Mixed Reception
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a distinct direction.
The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
The news follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the entire content from the president's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our audience.
The trust in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. After several months of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
His leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.
David
Background of the New Head
The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Face the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and tests that change every round. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is in your hands."
The game does not have an official release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as development continues.
