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 roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Change Follows Lukewarm Response
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.
The president noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete message from the president's memo:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a sharper identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.
The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. After a period of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.
David
Experience of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the genre."
"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 official summary states. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but players can expect additional details as production advances.
