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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Poor Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct vision.

The president stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full message from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. After a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and tests that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and hope your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."

The game has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as development progresses.