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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Response

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

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined vision.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Key Hires

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, 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 memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our fans.

The belief in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. Following several months of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

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

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Face the competition 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 trust your team can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official release date or supported systems, but fans can anticipate further news as development progresses.