🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Poor Feedback

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a more defined game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of the team. Following a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having spent the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every match. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, risk it all, and hope your group can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or consoles, but fans can expect more updates as development continues.