2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Feedback
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer direction.
The president stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Key Hires
This announcement follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a clearer brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and reimagined the title with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our audience.
The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on next week.
Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all eager to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
David
Experience of the New Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward 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 explains. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."
The game does not have an announced debut schedule or platforms, but fans can anticipate additional details as creation advances.
