🔗 Share this article 2K Recruits Apex Legends Lead to Boost Troubled Action Game Project Ethos The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos. Management Change Comes After Poor Response Brinkman takes on the role of studio head 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 autumn. On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a distinct vision. The president stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy community desires. A Pattern of Key Acquisitions This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber. Below is the entire text from the president's communication: Team— I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.” With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that. The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct vision. It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our players. The belief in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following a period of conversations, he starts with us on Monday, October 20. His leadership and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit. Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to come. The President Background of the Incoming Leader Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts. Game Information and Vision Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution 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 explains. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that change every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your team can secure victory? The decision is in your hands." Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or platforms, but fans can expect further news as production advances.