🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. After a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is yours."

The game does not have an official launch window or consoles, but players can expect further news as development progresses.