2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment 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 Change Comes After Poor Reception
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a more defined vision.
The president noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete message from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on next week.
Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
David
Experience of the New Head
Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a public demo. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your squad can secure victory? The choice is yours."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as creation continues.
