🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Response

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer direction.

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

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to mind and revamped the title with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Face the competition with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your squad can secure victory? The choice is yours."

The game lacks an announced release date or supported systems, but players can expect more updates as development advances.