2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct game identity.
The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
Trend of Key Recruitment
The news follows a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete message from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”
Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our audience.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. After several months of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the evolution of the game in the months to come.
The President
Background of the New Leader
The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the style."
"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 states. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."
The game lacks an announced debut schedule or consoles, but fans can anticipate further news as production continues.
