2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Change Comes After Poor Response
Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.
The president stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Lead of the team. After a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.
Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is vast, having spent the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most popular series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.
Let’s together in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to persist witnessing the progress of the game in the weeks to come.
David
Background of the New Head
Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect further news as production continues.
