2K Recruits Apex Legends Developer to Boost Challenged Hero Shooter Project Ethos

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a more defined vision.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. Following a period of talks, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to keep observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a public demo. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution 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 states. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can expect more updates as creation advances.