2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a distinct direction.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full text from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a sharper identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our fans.
The trust in this project increases every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Director of the team. After a period of talks, he starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the progress of the game in the weeks to come.
The President
Experience of the New Head
The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Take on the competition with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or consoles, but players can anticipate more updates as development continues.
