🔗 Share this article

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 developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Poor Reception

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct direction.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Below is the full message from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to heart and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. Following a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to continue seeing the progress of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every session. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but players can look forward to further news as creation continues.