The Gaming Giant Hires Apex Legends Developer to Rescue Challenged Action Game Ambitious Title

2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Poor Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

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

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following some time of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

The game does not have an announced launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as production advances.