🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman assumes 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 unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.

The president stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After some time of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

The game lacks an official release date or supported systems, but players can anticipate more updates as production advances.