2K Recruits Popular Battle Royale Producer to Boost Struggling Hero Shooter Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Hires

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the new Lead of the team. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union portrayed 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! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that change every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or consoles, but fans can anticipate additional details as production progresses.