The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Response
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a more defined vision.
Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
The news echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a more distinct identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our players.
The belief in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the new Director of the team. Following some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.
His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.
The President
Background of the New Head
The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a community playtest. Initially, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and tests that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or platforms, but players can expect additional details as creation progresses.
