2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.
Recently, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a more defined game identity.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet community desires.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
The news follows a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full message from the president's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our players.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the new Lead of the team. Following a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.
Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your group can secure victory? The option is yours."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but fans can expect further news as development advances.
