2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Poor Response
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.
The president noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
Trend of Key Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our fans.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, 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 eager to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.
David
Background of the New Leader
The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, the developers 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 live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every session. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."
The game does not have an confirmed release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect further news as production progresses.
