2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Change Follows Mixed Feedback
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer direction.
The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.
Trend of Key Hires
This announcement echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete message from the president's announcement:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a clearer vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. After several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the recent years creating and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all excited to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your team can secure victory? The choice is yours."
Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or consoles, but fans can expect additional details as production progresses.
