2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Response
Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined game identity.
Ismailer stated that the team is now refining the project with a revised approach, aiming to address player expectations.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.
Here is the complete text from the president's announcement:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our players.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.
His guidance and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all excited to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the category."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."
The game lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but players can expect more updates as production continues.
