The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Change Follows Lukewarm Reception
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a more defined game identity.
The president noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.
Trend of Strategic Hires
The news follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete text from the president's announcement:
Dear Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our fans.
Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. After several months of discussions, he starts with us on next week.
Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Title Details and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the genre."
"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. "Face the competition with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."
Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can anticipate further news as creation progresses.
