2K Recruits Apex Legends Developer to Boost Troubled Action Game Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman 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 the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a more defined direction.

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

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following several months of talks, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the recent years creating and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a public demo. Then, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

The game has not yet received an official release date or supported systems, but players can look forward to further news as creation progresses.

Deborah Singleton
Deborah Singleton

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering the UK casino industry and slot machine trends.