2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee 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.
Management Transition Follows Poor Reception
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a more defined direction.
The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
The news echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.
Here is the complete text from the president's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”
Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a clearer brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our players.
The trust in this project strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.
Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all eager to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
The President
Background of the New Head
Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Take on the competition with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or supported systems, but fans can expect more updates as creation continues.
