2K Recruits Apex Legends Lead to Boost Challenged Hero Shooter Project Ethos

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Poor Response

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined direction.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

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

Here is the complete message from the president's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to consideration and overhauled the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After several months of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.

His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all looking forward to persist observing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the style."

"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 description reads. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every match. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as creation advances.