2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Poor Response
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined direction.
The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full message from Ismailer's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our fans.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of the team. After several months of discussions, he comes aboard us on the specified date.
His guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the development of the game in the months to come.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."
The game does not have an confirmed release date or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as development progresses.
