🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the entire message from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

His leadership and background in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a public demo. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Face the competition with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your group can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an official launch window or platforms, but players can expect further news as creation continues.