2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined game identity.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
This announcement follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.
Here is the entire message from the president's announcement:
Dear Team—
I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was informative. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and overhauled the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our audience.
The trust in this project strengthens every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Face the competition with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."
The game has not yet received an official debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as production continues.
