2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Response
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined direction.
Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
The news echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.
Below is the entire message from Ismailer's communication:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”
Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a clearer identity.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to heart and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our fans.
Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. After some time of discussions, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.
The President
Background of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Concept
The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that shift every match. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and hope your group can secure victory? The choice is yours."
The game has not yet received an official release date or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as production continues.
