2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Follows Mixed Feedback
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
The news mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.
Here is the full content from the president's memo:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our players.
The belief in this project increases every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, risks, and challenges that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."
The game has not yet received an announced release date or platforms, but fans can anticipate further news as development continues.
