🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the full message from the president's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our players.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. Following some time of talks, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Face the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced release date or consoles, but fans can expect more updates as creation continues.