2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Response
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.
The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
This announcement follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, Ben starts with us on the specified date.
His leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all eager to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the style."
"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 reads. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, risks, and challenges that change every match. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."
The game has not yet received an announced launch window or platforms, but fans can look forward to further news as production progresses.
