The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Mixed Reception
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct vision.
The president expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
The news mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the complete message from the president's communication:
Dear Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a more distinct brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our audience.
The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. Following a period of talks, he starts with us on next week.
Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in greeting him next week. We are all excited to keep witnessing the progress of the game in the weeks to ahead.
David
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Concept
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The option is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or consoles, but players can anticipate additional details as development continues.
