2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Comes After Poor Feedback
The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.
Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Recruitment
The news follows a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.
Below is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct identity.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our fans.
The belief in this project grows every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. After some time of talks, he officially joins us on the specified date.
His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
David
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative 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 reads. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but players can look forward to more updates as production continues.
