2K Hires Popular Battle Royale Lead to Revitalize Troubled Hero Shooter Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After some time of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Face the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or platforms, but fans can anticipate additional details as development progresses.