🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured 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 roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to consideration and overhauled the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of the team. Following a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the recent years developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all eager to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a early access event. Then, the developers presented 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 live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and tests that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as creation progresses.