The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.
The president stated that the team is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to address community desires.
A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment
The news mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”
With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct brand.
The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our players.
The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. Following some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in greeting him soon. We are all eager to continue observing the development of the game in the months to come.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Vision
Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."
Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but fans can expect more updates as development advances.
