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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Poor Feedback

The new appointee takes on 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 the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct direction.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to consideration and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our players.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and hope your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as production continues.