2K Brings Onboard Popular Battle Royale Producer to Rescue Challenged Action Game Ambitious Title

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the necessity for a more defined vision.

The president stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. Following a period of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having spent the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 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 live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and tests that change every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, gamble everything, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as development advances.