The Gaming Giant Brings Onboard Popular Battle Royale Lead to Rescue Troubled Hero Shooter Project Ethos

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Poor Reception

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a clearer direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to persist observing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the category."

"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 game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and tests that evolve every session. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as production continues.