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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 forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Poor Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct direction.

The president noted that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to consideration and overhauled the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. After several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all eager to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your group can secure victory? The option is up to you."

The game does not have an official debut schedule or consoles, but players can anticipate more updates as creation advances.