2K Recruits Popular Battle Royale Developer to Revitalize Struggling Hero Shooter Ambitious Title

The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Poor Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our audience.

The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a early access event. Then, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but players can expect more updates as development progresses.