🔗 Share this article

2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Poor Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to consideration and overhauled the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our players.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having spent the recent years developing and leading some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your squad can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as production progresses.