2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Follows Mixed Feedback
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined direction.
The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to address community desires.
Trend of Key Hires
This announcement follows a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the full message from Ismailer's communication:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a more distinct brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
His guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. Then, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Face the competition with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as development continues.
