2K Brings Onboard Popular Battle Royale Producer to Rescue Challenged Action Game Project Ethos

2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined vision.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The belief in this project grows every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the new Director of the team. Following several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on next week.

His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the progress of the game in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling 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 match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

The game does not have an confirmed release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as production advances.