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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the necessity for a more defined vision.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news follows a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and background in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all looking forward to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your squad can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as creation continues.