2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to address player expectations.
The news follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete text from the president's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”
Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.
The belief in this project grows every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
The President
The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is yours."
The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can look forward to further news as production continues.
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