The Gaming Giant Hires Popular Battle Royale Developer to Boost Challenged Action Game Project Ethos

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 developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the requirement for a distinct direction.

The president noted that the team is now refining the project with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire message from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, he officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the evolution of the game in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"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 game's pitch explains. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or platforms, but fans can look forward to further news as development progresses.