2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Follows Poor Feedback
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct vision.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to better meet community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.
Here is the full message from Ismailer's communication:
Dear Team—
I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a more distinct identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. After a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the progress of the game in the time to come.
David
Experience of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The option is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as creation progresses.
