The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Change Comes After Mixed Feedback
The new appointee 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 the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
Trend of Key Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Below is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to consideration and overhauled the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our players.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he officially joins us on next week.
His leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the recent years creating and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to persist observing the progress of the game in the time to follow.
David
Background of the New Head
Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your group can secure victory? The choice is yours."
The game lacks an announced release date or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as development advances.
