2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined vision.
The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.
Trend of Key Hires
The news echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the full message from the president's memo:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”
With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our fans.
The belief in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward 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 description explains. "Take on the competition with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every match. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."
The game does not have an official release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as production continues.
