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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Response

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct direction.

The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Hires

The news echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a public demo. Then, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Face the competition with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but players can anticipate further news as production continues.