2K Hires Apex Legends Developer to Rescue Struggling Hero Shooter Project Ethos

2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire text from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to consideration and overhauled the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The trust in this project grows every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all eager to keep observing the development of the game in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"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 official summary states. "Face the competition with unique powers, risks, and challenges that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as development continues.