The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct direction.
Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
The news follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the entire content from the president's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”
Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our audience.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. Following some time of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
His guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all excited to persist seeing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.
The President
Experience of the New Head
The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Face the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every match. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and trust your team can secure victory? The option is in your hands."
Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or consoles, but fans can look forward to additional details as production continues.
