The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer vision.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
This announcement follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our audience.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. After some time of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
His management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as development advances.
