2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Follows Mixed Reception
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a clearer game identity.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
The news echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the complete content from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”
Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our audience.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Lead of the team. After several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.
Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the recent years producing and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the progress of the game in the weeks to ahead.
David
Background of the New Leader
Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, risks, and tests that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or platforms, but players can expect additional details as development advances.
