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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 working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete message from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our players.

The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution 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 suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as creation continues.