2K Hires Popular Battle Royale Developer to Boost Troubled Action Game Project Ethos

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full message from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. Following a period of conversations, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most popular series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting him soon. We are all excited to keep seeing the progress of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

The game has not yet received an announced debut schedule or platforms, but fans can anticipate more updates as development progresses.