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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, 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 collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.

The trust in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. After some time of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect further news as development advances.