The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Response
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head 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 initial reveal last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined direction.
The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to address player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Recruitment
The news follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Below is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”
Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our audience.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. After a period of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on next week.
His management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having spent the recent years developing and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Take on the competition with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."
The game lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but players can look forward to further news as development continues.
