🔗 Share this article

The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Follows Mixed Response

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' lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer direction.

The president stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Below is the full content from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our players.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. Following some time of conversations, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having spent the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, risks, and tests that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, risk it all, and trust your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an announced release date or consoles, but players can look forward to more updates as development continues.