2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Comes After Mixed Response
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer direction.
The president stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
The news follows a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the complete content from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a sharper vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
His leadership and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to keep seeing the development of the game in the months to ahead.
David
Experience of the New Head
Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year together with a community playtest. Then, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Face the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect further news as creation advances.
