2K Hires Apex Legends Producer to Revitalize Challenged Action Game Project Ethos
The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.
Management Shift Follows Mixed Reception
Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer direction.
The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address gamer demands.
Trend of Key Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the entire message from the president's memo:
Team—
I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our players.
Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the new Director of the team. After several months of conversations, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.
David
Experience of the New Head
The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.
Game Details and Concept
Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the genre."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."
The game does not have an announced launch window or consoles, but players can look forward to additional details as creation advances.