2K Hires Popular Battle Royale Developer to Boost Troubled Hero Shooter Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Response

Brinkman takes on 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 lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete message from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. 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 driven and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to consideration and reimagined the title with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our audience.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting him next week. We are all excited to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The decision is yours."

The game does not have an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as production progresses.