🔗 Share this article

2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. Following some time of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the recent years developing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the development of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

The game lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but fans can expect more updates as creation progresses.