The Gaming Giant Hires Popular Battle Royale Producer to Rescue Struggling Action Game Project Ethos

2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the necessity for a clearer direction.

The president stated that the team is now refining the project with a revised vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Key Hires

The news echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full text from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our fans.

The belief in this project grows every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. Following several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

His guidance and background in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a public demo. Then, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"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 description reads. "Face the competition with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect further news as development advances.