The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Shift Follows Mixed Feedback
The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.
On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined direction.
The president noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
The news follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the full message from the president's communication:
Dear Team—
I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”
Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a more distinct brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our players.
The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following a period of talks, he starts with us on next week.
His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Information and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a public demo. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."
"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. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and trust your squad can secure victory? The choice is up to you."
The game lacks an announced launch window or consoles, but fans can look forward to additional details as production continues.