2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Reception
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.
On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct direction.
The president noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Below is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”
Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a clearer vision.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our fans.
The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. After some time of discussions, he officially joins us on the specified date.
His management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all eager to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
David
Background of the New Leader
The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your team can secure victory? The choice is up to you."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or supported systems, but fans can expect additional details as development progresses.
