2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Comes After Poor Reception
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
The news echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled the title with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our fans.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After several months of talks, he officially joins us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
David
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the genre."
"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 game's pitch states. "Take on the competition with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an official debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as development progresses.
