The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Response
The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a more defined vision.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the entire content from the president's announcement:
Hello Everyone—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared 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 pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a more distinct brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our fans.
Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all looking forward to persist observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
David
Background of the New Head
Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and tests that change every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or supported systems, but players can anticipate additional details as production continues.
