🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Key Hires

The news echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete message from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. After some time of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your group can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as creation advances.