2K Hires Popular Battle Royale Producer to Revitalize Troubled Action Game Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined direction.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to consideration and reimagined the title with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having spent the recent years creating and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to continue observing the progress of the game in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Face the opponents with new abilities, risks, and challenges that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

The game lacks an announced launch window or supported systems, but fans can expect additional details as creation advances.