2K Recruits Apex Legends Developer to Boost Struggling Hero Shooter Project Ethos

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer direction.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement follows a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete content from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him next week. We are all looking forward to continue observing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Face the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."

The game does not have an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can expect more updates as creation advances.