🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

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

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. Following a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having spent the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every match. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

The game has not yet received an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can look forward to further news as creation continues.