2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined vision.
Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
The news follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Below is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a clearer identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our players.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the genre."
"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 states. "Take on the competition with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that change every match. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or supported systems, but players can expect further news as creation continues.
