2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined game identity.
The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
The news mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the entire content from the president's communication:
Team—
I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a clearer identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to consideration and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. Following some time of talks, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a early access event. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward 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 suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Face the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or go big, risk it all, and trust your squad can secure victory? The choice is up to you."
The game has not yet received an confirmed launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as development progresses.
