2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Hires
The news echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the full text from Ismailer's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of talks, he starts with us on next week.
His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all looking forward to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the style."
"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 description reads. "Face the rivals with unique powers, risks, and tests that shift every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos has not yet received an official release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as development progresses.
