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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

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

The player input from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that change every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, gamble everything, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or platforms, but fans can look forward to additional details as creation continues.