2K Hires Apex Legends Lead to Revitalize Struggling Hero Shooter Project Ethos

2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire text from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. Following a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His leadership and background in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, risks, and challenges that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

The game lacks an confirmed release date or consoles, but fans can expect additional details as creation advances.