🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Poor Feedback

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to consideration and reimagined the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. Following some time of talks, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the recent years producing and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 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! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and tests that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your group can secure victory? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official debut schedule or consoles, but players can anticipate more updates as production progresses.