🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Response

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the full message from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. Following a period of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the recent years developing and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.

David

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as development advances.