2K Games has reinforced the development of Project Ethos by bringing in experienced producer Ben Brinkman, who previously worked on Call of Duty and Apex Legends. He has taken over as head of the 31st Union studio and will lead the work on the new free-to-play hero-based roguelike shooter.
Brinkman, a veteran of the shooter genre, replaced Michael Condrey — a former Call of Duty developer who left the project in February. His appointment is part of a plan to restart development, which stalled after the 2024 tests. The personnel changes were announced by 2K President David Ismailer in a memo.
Ismailer noted that the fall playtest of Project Ethos showed the game's potential but also revealed serious problems. According to player feedback, the shooter lacked uniqueness and a clear identity.
"You have taken the feedback and rethought Project Ethos with a new concept capable of fulfilling promises to players. We are confident that the project is moving in the right direction," the letter reads.
He added that Brinkman's invitation should accelerate the game's development and help the team solidify the updated vision. Over the past 15 years, Brinkman has led the development of major PvP franchises, including Call of Duty: Black Ops and Apex Legends. His experience, according to Ismailer, will be a key factor in turning Project Ethos into a competitive shooter.
