2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Poor Feedback
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.
Recently, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct game identity.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
This announcement follows a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full text from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, he starts with us on next week.
Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Face the opponents with unique powers, risks, and tests that shift every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your team can secure victory? The decision is up to you."
Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or consoles, but players can expect additional details as production progresses.
