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

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee steps into 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 fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct direction.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Key Hires

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete message from the president's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our players.

The belief in this project grows every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most popular series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to continue observing the development of the game in the months to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that change every match. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your team can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can anticipate more updates as development advances.