2K Brings Onboard Apex Legends Lead to Revitalize Challenged Action Game Ambitious Title

2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct game identity.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear 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 input to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. Following a period of discussions, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all excited to persist witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that change every match. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and hope your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as production progresses.