🔗 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 anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined vision.

The president stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire content from the president's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our audience.

The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. After a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most popular series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement 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 suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can secure victory? The decision is yours."

The game lacks an official release date or supported systems, but fans can expect further news as development progresses.