The Gaming Giant Brings Onboard Popular Battle Royale Lead to Boost Struggling Action Game Project Ethos

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 anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer game identity.

The president noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

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

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following several months of discussions, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting 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 description reads. "Take on the competition with unique powers, challenges, and tests that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an official debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can expect further news as production continues.