2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Follows Poor Response
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a clearer vision.
The president expressed that the team is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to address player expectations.
Trend of Strategic Hires
This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire message from Ismailer's communication:
Dear Team—
I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our audience.
The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. After several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all excited to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
David
Background of the New Head
The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and tests that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."
The game lacks an announced release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as creation advances.
