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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a distinct vision.

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

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire message from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After some time of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to persist observing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward 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 game's pitch reads. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced release date or supported systems, but fans can look forward to further news as creation continues.