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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most popular titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to keep observing the evolution of the game in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"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 explains. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, risks, and tests that evolve every session. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your group can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or consoles, but fans can anticipate more updates as development progresses.