The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Change Comes After Poor Reception
Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement follows a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the full text from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our players.
The trust in this project increases every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After some time of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.
Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all eager to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Face the rivals with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an official release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as production advances.
