2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Response
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer vision.
The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
The news follows a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full message from the president's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our players.
The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
His guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution 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 game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and tests that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."
The game does not have an announced launch window or platforms, but fans can expect further news as production progresses.
