🔗 Share this article

2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined game identity.

The president stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete content from the president's communication:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. After several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the recent years creating and leading some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of the game in the months to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that change every round. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, gamble everything, and trust your team can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect further news as development advances.