2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct direction.
The president noted that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the complete message from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”
Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a clearer vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our fans.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all eager to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that change every round. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, gamble everything, and trust your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but players can look forward to additional details as production progresses.
