The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Change Follows Poor Response
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a distinct direction.
Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.
Trend of Key Recruitment
The news follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Here is the full message from the president's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”
With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our players.
Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After some time of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to come.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and tests that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."
The game lacks an official launch window or platforms, but players can expect additional details as development progresses.
