2K Saves Shooter Project Ethos — Call of Duty and Apex Legends Producer Joins the Team

2K Games has stepped up work on Project Ethos by appointing veteran producer Ben Brinkman — known for his contributions to Call of Duty and Apex Legends. Brinkman has assumed leadership of studio 31st Union and will oversee development of the new free-to-play, roguelike hero shooter.

Brinkman, a long-time shooter specialist, succeeds Michael Kondry — a former Call of Duty developer who departed the project in February. His hiring is part of an effort to relaunch development after progress slowed following 2024 playtests. The staffing updates were communicated by 2K president David Ismailer in an internal memo.

Ismailer noted that the autumn playtest for Project Ethos revealed clear potential but also exposed serious shortcomings. According to player feedback, the shooter lacked distinctiveness and a defined identity.

“You absorbed the feedback and reimagined Project Ethos with a new concept that can fulfill the promises made to players. We’re confident the project is headed in the right direction,” the memo reads.

He added that Brinkman’s appointment should accelerate development and help the team lock in the refreshed vision. Over the past 15 years Brinkman has led work on major PvP franchises, including Call of Duty: Black Ops and Apex Legends. His experience, Ismailer said, will be instrumental in shaping Project Ethos into a competitive shooter.

Source: iXBT.games