2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer game identity.
The president expressed that the team is now refining the project with a revised vision, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
This announcement echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the entire content from Ismailer's memo:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a more distinct brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. After several months of discussions, he comes aboard us on the specified date.
Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most well-known series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.
David
Experience of the New Head
The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."
Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as development progresses.
