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

Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined direction.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire text from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to continue observing the development of the game in the months 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 earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective 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 game's pitch reads. "Face the rivals with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."

The game has not yet received an official debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate additional details as production progresses.