🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer game identity.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident 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 looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. After a period of talks, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all excited to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, risks, and challenges that shift every match. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your group can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game has not yet received an official release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect further news as development continues.