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

Management Transition Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete content from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to heart and overhauled the title with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Face the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that change every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

The game has not yet received an announced release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as creation advances.