🔗 Share this article

2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most popular series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that shift every match. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, put it on the line, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can anticipate additional details as creation progresses.