The Gaming Giant Brings Onboard Popular Battle Royale Developer to Rescue Struggling Hero Shooter Project Ethos
2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Comes After Poor Reception
The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.
Recently, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the need for a distinct direction.
The president noted that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Hires
This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:
Dear Team—
I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”
Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our audience.
The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, he starts with us on the specified date.
Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the progress of the game in the weeks to come.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year together with a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The option is yours."
Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as development advances.