🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct vision.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a clearer brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The belief in this project increases every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After a period of talks, he officially joins us on next week.

His management and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most popular series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all eager to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and tests that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or consoles, but fans can anticipate additional details as production advances.