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 developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Poor Reception
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 removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined vision.
The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.
Trend of Key Recruitment
The news follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the full text from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a sharper vision.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all excited to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
David
Experience of the New Head
Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio 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.
Title Details and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the genre."
"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 game's pitch states. "Face the rivals with unique powers, risks, and tests that shift every match. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or consoles, but players can expect additional details as development continues.
