🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Poor Reception

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from the president's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

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 revealing. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to heart and reimagined the title with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Face the rivals with new abilities, risks, and tests that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an official release date or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as creation progresses.