2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Change Follows Mixed Response
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer vision.
The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
Trend of Key Hires
The news echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full text from Ismailer's communication:
Hello Everyone—
I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our fans.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. After a period of talks, he starts with us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in receiving him next week. We are all eager to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
David
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a public demo. Then, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the category."
"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 description reads. "Face the competition with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos lacks an official release date or consoles, but fans can anticipate additional details as creation advances.
